Collegiate Leadership Experience is an exciting opportunity for college students in our Northeast Florida community!  Participants interact with community leaders, network with professionals, go behind the scenes to explore difficult issues facing our community and learn from our successes. They explore what is means to be a community trustee. This diverse group of students learn from each other through interactive and problem solving activities. During action packed program days they learn about all aspects of our community – from government to the arts! Students participate in an overnight Opening Retreat, four Program Days (on a weekday) and a Closing Retreat during the summer.

This program is for students that are attending college in Northeast Florida -OR- have their permanent address in Northeast Florida and are attending college outside of the region.  Students should be rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and first year graduate students preferably between 18 and 23 years old, and have been enrolled in college for at least two semesters by the beginning of the program in June.  Students must be in good standing at their college/university and have demonstrated leadership in high school and/or college.

• To become a responsible, ethical leader committed to active community involvement and trusteeship.
• To encourage the leader within each of the participants and inspire them to begin making a difference – now!
• To encourage participants to live and work in Northeast Florida after graduation and serve as a community trustee.
• To gain a greater understanding of contemporary issues through interaction and problem solving with peers, leaders, and decision makers from all segments of the community.
• To broaden participants’ perspective and understanding of Northeast Florida’s assets and potential. Stimulate interest and encourage a team approach in resolving community problems.

Members of Leadership Jacksonville and graduates of Youth Leadership Jacksonville and Collegiate Leadership Experience are eligible to nominate candidates for the Collegiate Leadership Experience. Nominations are accepted in the Fall of each year.  Each nominated student will be sent an application package to the address submitted.  Application will be due in January. A committee of Leadership Jacksonville alumni will review the applications and conduct phone interviews during February and March. A class of thirty-six is selected.