Created in 1989, this year-long program brings together a select and diverse group of high school juniors, with demonstrated leadership ability, and prepares them to become ethical leaders committed to active community involvement.

During this exciting program, students attend an Opening Retreat, six Program Days (one per month) and a Closing Retreat. Programs are experiential in nature with hands-on activities. Program Days deal with specific facets of the community such as government, criminal justice, human services, diversity and business.  Each day combines a behind-the-scenes experience with a great deal of interaction with the appropriate community leaders. 

Youth Leadership Jacksonville draws together approximately 50 students each year that have proven leadership ability and represent a cross section of Northeast  Florida’s youth population. 
 
Students participate in the program during their junior year in high school.  Students nominated by a participating high school go through a thorough selection process involving a written application and interview.  High Schools eligible to nominate students are all SACS accredited and include all Duval County, Clay and Baker Public High Schools, Nease High School , Bishop Kenny, St. Joseph’s Academy, Bishop John Snyder, The Bolles School, Episcopal High School, the Providence school and St. Johns Country Day School. These schools designate a Faculty Coordinator.  Students fill out the written application in the fall.  Interviews take place January through March, with the class selection complete by May 1steach year.

• To meet students from all areas of the First Coast Community
  and to develop mutual trust and respect for each other.              
• To have an increased awareness of our community needs,
  opportunities, problems and resources.                                                    
• To gain a greater understanding of contemporary issues
  through interaction and problem solving with peers, adult
  leaders, and decision makers from all segments of the
  community.                                                                                                    
• To develop effective styles of leadership, communication
  and decision making skills.                                                                         
• To become a responsible, ethical leader committed to active community involvement.

Youth Leadership Jacksonville consists of high school students who excel in student government, academics, athletics, the arts and community youth organizations. The participants represent a cross section of the community in terms of gender, race, culture, and neighborhoods.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Attend a high school in Duval, Clay, Nassau or St. Johns County accredited by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools).
• Be a current sophomore to apply for the program that will take place in the junior year.
• Be approved by the high school principal.
• Demonstrate proven leadership ability in school and/or community activities.
• Have an interest in addressing the issues confronting the First Coast communities.
• Commit to full participation in the program.
• Be academically sound. An average of “B” or better is recommended. The program will require students to miss seven days of class (one per month).

Approximately 50 participants are selected each year that represent 38 schools in the five-county region – Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns. Each participating high school can nominate six students. Teams of Leadership Jacksonville alumni interview all candidates and select the class in the spring.