FREE Regional Opportunity for Apache, Coconino and Navajo Counties. Applications for Arizona Youth Leadership Conference
Good morning Apache, Coconino, and Navajo Counties,
I hope this email finds you well. Below you will find a FREE opportunity for your students with disabilities to participate innovative, 5-day summer conference in your region for youth who have disabilities! This forum/conference is designed to foster personal growth through self-discovery, the forum will experiential learning opportunities to assist each individual as they identify and embrace their strengths and gifts, in conjunction with planning for their future. The attached AZYLF Application deadline is 11:59pm on April 15, 2020. Please email Melissa Ann “Mellie” Santora at mellie@diverseabilityincorporated.org if you have any questions about this event!
AZYLF Form/Conference Information
Location: Dine College, Tsaile, AZ
Dates: May 27-31, 2020
In these uncertain times, Diverse Ability Incorporated is as committed as ever,
to continuing to offer Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) during Summer 2020.
It is likely that current public health concerns will impact planned, in-person,
AZYLF conferences. However, we are exploring a variety of innovative options,
including virtual modalities, to be able to offer AZYLF in a
manner that is safe, meaningful, and accessible, this summer.
AZYLF is continuing to recruit youth who have a variety of disabilities, who will have completed at least one year of high school and be under age 30, when they participate. In order to make the best determination in regard to logistics about when and how AZYLF is offered, we need your help in reaching and assisting youth to apply for this opportunity.
Each AZYLF experience is unique, and we know that although there will be many challenges this year, there will be many more rewards. We encourage you to consider the youth you know who may benefit from AZYLF, and assist them to become part of the incomparable AZYLF Class of 2020!
This year, there will be 6 Regional Arizona Youth Leadership Forum conferences! We would greatly appreciate it if you would forward, distribute, post on websites/social media, and otherwise share these materials widely within your networks. We are hoping to recruit a diverse representation of High School students and Young Adults (under age 30) who have disabilities, for this life-changing opportunity!
While the goal is for youth to attend the AZYLF Conference in the Region of their Residence (see chart below), we understand that this may not always be possible. Therefore, applicants will be able to indicate which dates they are available to attend, as well and which locations they prefer. We recognize that transportation may be a barrier, and will do our best to assist with transportation for those who need it, whether they attend within or outside their home region.
AZYLF Conference Location | AZYLF Conference Dates | Counties per
AZYLF Region |
Dine College
Tsaile, AZ |
May 27-31, 2020 | Þ Apache
Þ Coconino Þ Navajo |
Prescott College
Prescott, AZ |
June 3-7, 2020 | Þ Mohave
Þ Yavapai |
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ |
June 10-14, 2020 | Þ Coconino
Þ Mohave |
Arizona Western College
Yuma, AZ |
June 17-21, 2020 | Þ La Paz
Þ Yuma |
Arizona State University Phoenix Campus
Phoenix, AZ |
June 24-28, 2020 | Þ Gila
Þ Maricopa Þ Pinal |
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ |
July 6-10, 2020 | Þ Cochise
Þ Graham Þ Greenlee Þ Pima Þ Santa Cruz |
The AZYLF Application deadline is 11:59pm on April 15, 2020.
Complete application packages (Application and 2 Letters of Recommendation) must be received by this deadline for selection consideration.
Application Link: https://www.jotform.com/DiverseAbilityIncorprated/DelegateApplication-2020
Please identify young people you feel would benefit from this opportunity, and assist them in submitting their applications on or before April 15th. Over the years we have found that getting the flyer into their hands is only the first step to the application being submitted. Please encourage youth, parents, or other supporters who have questions or need offline application submission options to contact Mellie Santora directly at: mellie@diverseabilityincorporated.org, or 602-425-5135.
Your recommendation may be helpful in encouraging youth to get excited about, and follow through with, the application process. For your convenience, the recommendation link is below:
Recommendation Link: https://www.jotform.com/DiverseAbilityIncorprated/AZYLFRecommendation-2020
Please support the young people in your life through this process, and connect with me if you have any questions. We cannot possibly reach all the youth in Arizona who may benefit from AZYLF, and we count on, and are extremely grateful for, your support in sharing this message!