Join Us for Summer 2025!
This summer we are partnering with the California Department of Rehabilitation for two great summer opportunities for qualified students.
Opportunity #1
Southern California Youth Leadership Forum
Students selected for the SoCal YLF will participate in an inspiring week of workshops held onsite at Cal State University, Northridge. Workshops will explore pathways after high school, post-secondary learning options, career pathways, and self-advocacy. Student who are eligible for services from the California Department of Rehabilitation, or who have an active and open case are eligible for this program. During the Forum, students will:
- Learn about effective advocacy and leadership skills with their peers.
- Hear from professionals with disabilities from a number of career fields.
- Tour the CSUN campus and learn about various programs and supports available on campus.
- Develop their conception of personal leadership and a career path.
- Make friends, develop of community of support, and have fun!
Who is Eligible?
California residents with a disability who are eligible for students’ services with the California Department of Rehabilitation. This includes students with an IEP or 504 plan.
Students with all types of disabilities are encouraged to apply. This includes physical, developmental, behavioral, mental health, learning, autism, neurodivergent, deaf or hard of hearing, and blind or low vision. Students who demonstrate leadership potential in school and in the community are best suited for this program.
Dates
June 16th-20th, 2025
Where
Cal State University, Northridge
Inquire Today
For more information, please fill out our Interest Survey by clicking the blue button on the right, email us at , or call us at 818-221-0605.
Opportunity #2
Camp CapAbility
Camp CapAbility is our Four Week summer camp program. It is designed for eligible students with disabilities to help prepare for life after high school. It is interactive, engaging, focused on long term employment and independence.
The goals of Camp CapAbility are as follows:
- College and Career Readiness: Students learn about a variety of career options, and the many pathways that exist to help them reach their long-term employment goals.
- Real–World Experience: Students will visit local employers and postsecondary learning institutions. They will speak with actual employees about their training and career path. They will meet with counselors and disability support professionals about programs, accommodations, and supports available on local campuses. They will hear from guest speakers about self-advocacy. This isnt a typical classroom learning experience.
- Fun: Learning can and should be fun. In addition to learning, community exploration, and campus visits, students will make friends, and have the fun of a traditional summer camp experience.
Qualified students will be able to attend camp at no cost to their families. We have a limited number of spaces, sojoin our interest list today!
Who is eligible?
The Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) seeks to ensure that students and youth with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to receive the services needed to achieve quality competitive integrated employment outcomes. Eligibility for students:
- Between 16 and 21 years of age.
- Enrolled in a recognized education program.
- One or more of the following:
- Eligible for & receiving special education or related services
- Eligible for & receiving accommodations with a 504 plan or IEP.
- Physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.*
Note: Currently we are working with theVan Nuys/ Foothill District of the California Department of Rehabilitation. We aim to add additional districts in the future.
Focus of Instruction
- Exploration of information about the job market, in-demand jobs and industries, and non-traditional employment options.
- Discussions about in-demand jobs, career pathways, and matching interests and skills to possible jobs.
Activities
- Ice Breakers
- Tours of local employers.
- Guest Speakers from local employers.
- Communication skill building.
- Field Trips
Focus of Instruction
- Reviewing information about college, vocational, or trade school admissions processes, courses, and resources available to support student success.
- Advising students and parents on academic curricula and the type of academic and occupational training needed to succeed in the workplace.
- Support in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Visit college campuses.
Activities
- Team Builders
- Visit local colleges and universities.
- Learn about available supports on campus.
- Learn about activities on campus.
- Learn about various professional learning programs.
Focus of Instruction
- Opportunities to acquire and apply work-appropriate communication and interpersonal skills.
- Development of independent living skills such as financial literacy, mobility, and job-seeking skills.
- Learning about employer expectations for punctuality, performance, and other “soft” skills necessary for employment.
Activities
- Mock interviews
- Workplace training at local businesses
- Setting a budget
- Visit local businesses from a variety of industries
- Guest speakers from the workforce
Focus of Instruction
- Learning about rights and responsibilities, and how to request accommodations or services and supports. Practice communicating thoughts, concerns, and needs.
- Participation in youth leadership activities, peer mentoring, or mentoring with educational staff.
Activities
- Advocacy training and simulations
- Discussions with peer mentors
- Visit local leaders in politics and education
- Public Speaking