Welcome to Lead Forward!

 

A year-round mentorship and skills program for youth with disabilities.

 

Click Here to Apply to be a Mentor

Click Here to Apply to be a Mentee

Click Here to Join the Lead Forward Discord Channel

 Join the APRIL Lead Forward Program. Starting January 10, 2025. Image below this text of a group of youth standing together with arms around each other looking away from the camera.

About Lead Forward

  • Lead Forward is a new year-round program inspired by the success of Lead On. Designed for youth with disabilities, Lead Forward will help participants expand their knowledge of disability-related topics, build leadership skills, and prepare for greater independence.

  • Youth are constantly navigating transitions—whether it’s moving between schools, forming more complex relationships, preparing for college, starting a career, or gaining independence. As APRIL’s Coordinator of Youth Services, I’ve designed Lead Forwardto offer tools and support to help youth thrive through these transitions and become confident leaders in their communities.

 

Lead Forward Workshops

  • Lead Forward will range from a variety of topics such as:

    • Disability history

    • LGBT history

    • Advocacy 

    • neurodivergence

    • mental wellness

    • communication

    • and internet safety

New workshops every other Friday starting January 10, 2025 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm EST!

Click Here to Register for these Meet-ups via Zoom

 

Become a Lead Forward Mentor

Mentorship Program: “Empowering Youth Through Connection and Guidance”

Mentorship is a core part of the Lead Forward program, designed to connect youth with disabilities for mutual growth and support. Whether you’re looking to guide others as a mentor or seeking guidance as a mentee, this program fosters leadership, advocacy, and meaningful connections.

 

Benefits of Mentorship

For Mentors:

  • Build leadership and communication skills.

  • Share your knowledge and experiences.

  • Make a meaningful impact on a peer’s journey.

For Mentees:

  • Gain personalized guidance on key topics like advocacy, communication, and mental wellness.

  • Build confidence in your leadership skills.

  • Create lasting connections with a mentor who understands your journey.

 

How Lead Forward Works

Sign Up by filling out a short application to become a mentor or mentee.

Mentorship Application

Mentee Application Form

 

Match-Up Process:

  • Mentors and mentees are paired based on shared interests, goals, and experiences.

 

Regular Meetings

  • Meet with your mentee at least once a week to discuss topics, share advice, and work on personal development goals.

 

Ongoing Support:

  • The Youth Services Coordinator, Harm Tarrant, will provide resources, training, and support to help you succeed. To contact him, email Harm at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

Join Our Lead Forward Discord Community

Our Lead Forward Discord community is an exclusive online space where youth with disabilities can connect, share resources, and continue discussions outside of workshops. This is where mentorship thrives, collaboration happens, and friendships grow.

 

Why Join the Discord?

  • Continue the Conversation: Dive deeper into workshop topics like advocacy, communication, and mental wellness.

  • Get Mentorship Support: Stay in touch with your mentor or mentee between sessions.

  • Access Resources: Discover helpful tools, articles, and links shared by the community.

  • Plan Together: Work on group projects or brainstorm ideas in a supportive environment.

  • Have Fun: Participate in general chats, fun prompts, and community-building activities.