What is the general youth scholarship?
The General Youth Scholarship offers youth with disabilities the chance to attend the annual APRIL Youth Conference. This event is held alongside the larger APRIL Conference and is designed specifically for youth.
The Youth Conference focuses on:
- Interactive activities
- Guest speakers
- Peer connection with other youth with disabilities
- A fun and welcoming dance
- A space to connect and build community before the main conference begins
This scholarship helps cover some of the costs for youth who want to attend but may not have the financial means to do so.
We believe every young leader deserves the chance to grow, connect, and share — and this scholarship can help make that possible!
Eligibility:
To participate, you must:
- Be 15-30 years old.
- Have any disability
- Preference will be given to those who are new to "Blooming Collaborative" previously named "Lead On"
- Preference will be given to those who live in Rural areas
- Be a member of an Independent Living Center (CIL) or other Disability Organization - Either as a staff or consumer/client.
- Scholarship will be awarded after completion of "Blooming Collaborative" training
- Must be willing to set a goal to contribute back to their CIL after the conference
Travel & Support Planning
- Your hotel and conference registration will be covered
- You are responsible for coordinating travel (airfare, meals, transportation, etc.) with your local Independent Living Center (CIL) or another disability organization, or a relative.
- If available funds and eligible - APRIL will reimburse the organization or person that covers your travel costs after the conference. This helps us avoid logistical challenges with booking flights and distributing funds individually.
- If coordinating travel becomes a significant challenge, please reach out to Genesis, the Coordinator of Youth Services, at gglezama@april-rural.org. We can work with you to explore solutions and support options where needed. However, please note that we aim to keep travel arrangements as streamlined as possible, so assistance will be provided on a case-by-case basis.
In order to support as many youth as possible with the funds we have, we encourage you to discuss the possibility of your CIL or SILC partially funding some of your travel expenses. It is your responsibility to ask for financial assistance from your CIL or other disability organizations before the conference.
If you need help with this application, please reach out to our Coordinator Of Youth Services, Genesis Garcia Lezama (she/her) gglezama@april-rural.org