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Young Adult Leadership Council

Where strong voices and youth-driven leadership shape the future.

Who We Are

The Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC) brings together bold, diverse leaders ages 18–24 who are ready to transform their communities. We elevate youth voices, fight for equity for students with learning disabilities, and drive solutions that shape real policy change.

If you’re passionate about advocacy, education, or building a network of changemakers, YALC gives you the platform, skills, and support to make your impact unstoppable. Applications are now open—join the next cohort launching in January 2026.

What We Do

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Leadership Development

Workshops, mentoring, and training to grow your leadership skills.

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Advocacy & Action

Influence policy and lead campaigns that reflect the needs of students and young adults with learning disabilities.

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Community Engagement

Host events, panels, and programming that uplift and empower youth.

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Why Join the YALC?

Why Join the YALC?

  • Receive access to our private online community
  • Mentorship and internship opportunities
  • Develop leadership and advocacy skills
  • Opportunities to network with alumni and other professionals across industries
  • A trip to Washington D.C. for LD Day of Action (travel, meals, hotel covered by NCLD)
  • Opportunity to co-author a children’s book
  • NCLD Swag

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

“Being part of the Young Adult Leadership Council has shown me the potential my story has to influence change on the national level. The opportunity to connect with exceptional peers, hear their stories, and talk about our shared neurodiverse experience is something I carry with me.”

Dylan Sullivan

Additional Info

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This program is for individuals who are curious about advocacy and excited to learn and practice new skills. The YALC is for emerging leaders who may not yet see themselves as advocates, but who are passionate, reflective, and eager to explore how their voice can make a meaningful impact.

We are looking for young adults who*:

  • Are between the ages of 18-24
  • Identify as having a learning disability (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, etc.)
  • Have an interest in state and federal advocacy
  • Can commit to attending monthly meetings
  • Are interested in co-authoring or illustrating a children’s book on LD or neurodiversity
  • Would like to gain skills related to self-advocacy, leadership, and communication
  • Are not currently participating in a similar national program

*We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those who may not have had formal diagnoses but have had persistent struggles with reading, writing, or math.

Applicants who entered the workforce directly after high school, rather than pursuing a 4-year degree, are encouraged to apply.

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You can apply now for our 2026 YALC cohort!
Applications close November 23rd, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT / 2:59 AM Saturday, ET.

Apply Now

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View 2026 Program Highlights below:

1. Inform & Empower (January –March)

  • Connect with fellow YALC members in a private online community
  • Monthly interactive virtual trainings
  • Self-paced online training modules

Topics include: disability justice, federal policy, advocacy storytelling, and more.

Skill Development (April –June)

  • Apply your experience and recent advocacy training toward a collaborative group project and active discussions with the larger community

2026 Group Project: Publish a children’s book on learning disabilities/neurodiversity.

Implementation (June–September)

LD Day of Action – Join your fellow advocates in Washington, D.C., for our annual LD Day of Action, where you’ll put your new advocacy skills into action.

Changemakers in Action (September–December)

  • Celebrate member achievements
  • Identify ways to take action in your community
  • Join the alumni network

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Meet our Programming Team:

Interest­ed in Joining YALC?

Interested in Joining YALC?

Together, we have the power to dismantle the ableist systems that hinder the disability community’s access to opportunities and success. This moment is ours to seize—we will raise our voices, share our stories, and advocate for what truly matters.

Apply