A ‘once in a lifetime’ experience for undergraduate and graduate school students
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2012) – Leadership Jacksonville, a program that develops youth and adult leaders in Northeast Florida, announces it is now accepting applications for the Collegiate Leadership Experience (CLE) Class of 2012. The program is a unique opportunity for college students to interact with community leaders, network with professionals, go behind the scenes to explore difficult issues facing the community and learn from the program’s successes. While exploring what is means to be a community trustee, students learn from each other through interactive and problem-solving activities.
“CLE is an extraordinary program that benefits not only the students involved, but also Northeast Florida,” said Jerry Mallot, president of Leadership Jacksonville and president of JAXUSA Partnership. “Eighty-six percent of students who have completed the CLE said they are more likely to live and work in Northeast Florida, which in turn means that we are more likely to have an educated, competent workforce remain in our community.”
CLE was a program formed by Leadership Jacksonville after a 2004 JCCI study titled “Town & Gown” reported that Jacksonville needed to focus on building its intellectual infrastructure and enhancing higher education in the city. Currently in its seventh year, CLE is for students who are attending college in Northeast Florida or have their permanent address in the area and are attending college outside of the region. Thirty-nine students from 14 colleges and universities were selected for last year’s class and represented schools from the University of Florida, Florida State University and colleges around the country such as Duke, Georgetown, Notre Dame and several local colleges, including the University of North Florida, Edward Waters, Jacksonville University and Florida State College of Jacksonville. Students nominated for the program must be rising sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate students, preferably between 18 and 28 years old, and have been enrolled in college for at least two semesters by the beginning of the program in June 2012.
“During the past seven years, I have witnessed students exponentially increase their leadership skills, while they are inspired and empowered to make positive impacts on our community,” said Meg Folds, Youth Programs Director at Leadership Jacksonville. “By participating in this program, students have a new appreciation for our community. They are always amazed at the lasting friendships they make.”
Applications will be accepted through March 22, 2012. The 2012 CLE program will begin in June. To learn more about the program or to download the application form, visit www.leadershipjax.org <http://www.leadershipjax.org> or call (904) 396-6263.
About Leadership Jacksonville
Leadership Jacksonville was established in 1976 as a vehicle to stimulate growth of leadership in the Northeast Florida community. The mission of Leadership Jacksonville is to develop youth and adult leaders who will assume greater responsibility as community trustees and improve the quality of life for self, family and community. Leadership Jacksonville currently has four major programs: the Leadership Jacksonville Program; New Leadership Summit; Youth Leadership Jacksonville Program; and the Collegiate Leadership Experience.
To learn more about Leadership Jacksonville and its programs, visit www.leadershipjax.org <http://www.leadershipjax.org> or call (904) 396-6263.
CONTACT: Taylor Spain at (904) 280-7960 or taylor@clockworkmarketing.com
COMPANY CONTACT: Meg Folds at (904) 396-6263 or meg@leadershipjax.org