Youth Leadership program started in West Texas through a grant from the Texas Council on Development Disabilities on June 1, 2006 to support 60 youth with disabilities per year to experience significant gains in leadership and advocacy skills. Students are recruited from 43 school districts from 13 counties and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services. Participants receive an intensive six days curriculum with adult mentors providing support and feedback to students during training and to implement an activity. An annual West Texas Summer Institute creates further enthusiasm and continuity. Collaboration with the statewide youth leadership project, local and regional agencies, organizations, businesses and foundations create on-going funding and support of youth leadership activities.

The first year included activities necessary to create a firm foundation for building the project. Subsequent years two and three will add activities to follow-up with students and mentors to stay involved in activities and share their progress.

The series of six one-day workshops offer students an intensive training opportunity that is supported by their local school district. The time is needed to cover the required topics, work with students who need additional support and follow-up outcomes.

Imagine staff are knowledgeable in employment, transition for youth to career and adult supports, community living and social security benefits planning. Partnerships with local organizations, agency experts and accessing local networks will provide local training on all areas of need. And, using learning techniques for the young, the workshops offer a fun learning environment.

Part of the process includes the student developing their own person-centered plan and a specific activity implemented before the end of the year. The workshops provide opportunity for interaction and developing goals that fit within the student’s resources. This activity and support from the staff, mentors and PAC members are one of the most significant measures of success of the overall project.

Provided adequate sponsorship is obtained, all of these activities will continue beyond the three-year funding of the project with increasing community support in years four and five.  Activities and workshops will be posted to this website.