Young Leaders Conference
About YLC:
We are excited to welcome students back for the Young Leaders Conference 2026!
YLC is a three-day leadership experience on the University of Florida’s campus, created and facilitated by current UF student leaders. Throughout the weekend, high school students take part in interactive workshops and team-building activities focused on leadership development and professional growth.
The conference will take place Friday, February 6, through Sunday, February 8, 2026. Students will check in on Friday morning and participate in a full weekend of programming. Optional campus tours are available either before the conference begins on Friday or after it concludes on Sunday. Upon acceptance, students will have the opportunity to sign up for a tour based on availability.
The registration fee covers room, board, and all meals. We cannot wait to host incredible future leaders for another unforgettable conference. See you soon!
Apply to Join YLC 2026
Ready to take your leadership journey to the next level? Applications are open and can be found below!
Parents or guardians should complete this application on behalf of their student. At the end of the application, the student will need to provide responses to a few short-answer questions and submit a brief video to help the selection committee get to know them better; parents and guardians should gather these responses from the student. This is the student’s opportunity to let the selection committee see their passion for leadership and what makes them stand out.
Additional registration details will be sent to accepted applicants. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the deadline to apply is November 20 at 11:59 PM. To be considered, both this completed application, and the $10 application fee (https://commerce.cashnet.com/UFLSGYLC) must be received. Upon acceptance, applicants will receive instructions for official registration, including how to submit the required registration fee. All students will hear back before January 1, 2026, with either an acceptance or an alternate status.
https://forms.gle/fW1sYcQQknzS9RXMA
Key Dates:
- Application & Application Fee Deadline: November 20
- Acceptance Notifications: Early December 2025
- Registration Fee Due: January 1, 2026
Next Steps After Acceptance
Accepted students will receive everything they need to officially register for YLC 2026, including instructions for submitting the $395 registration fee. From there, get ready for an unforgettable weekend of growth, connection, and leadership.
For questions regarding applications or registration, please contact ylcregistration@sg.ufl.edu
Example Schedule from YLC 2025
Here is a brief overview of what to look forward to at YLC based on last year’s conference! Please note, the schedule is subject to change for YLC 2026.
FRIDAY
- Check- in at the Reitz Union
- Opening Ceremony
- Scavenger Hunt to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
- Dinner
- Workshops 1&2
- Bowling at the Reitz Union
- Team building tailgate
- Return to Hotel
SATURDAY
- Breakfast
- Field Day Event
- Lunch
- Workshop 3 & 4
- UF YLC Student Leader Testimonials
- Dinner
- Workshop #5
- Talent Show
- Glow Party at the Reitz Union
- Return to Hotel
SUNDAY
- Breakfast
- Resume Workshop
- Closing Ceremony
- Check-Out
- Optional Cicerone-guided Campus Tour
Contact Us
Please email ylc@sg.ufl.edu for any questions regarding YLC.