APPLY FOR THE LJ FLAGSHIP PROGRAM

Program dates: August – May

Program Fee: $4,900

Tuition for the program includes the overnight retreat lodging, all meals, and materials. Once accepted, partial scholarship support can be requested if cost is a barrier.

Program Selection:

The LJ program actively solicits applications from all sectors of the community. Criteria for selection include demonstrated leadership skills, active community involvement, and a willingness to invest the time and energy required by the program. A conscientious effort is made to select participants who will represent a cross-section of the community in terms of gender, race, age, income level and occupations. Classes are carefully balanced to represent the composition of the community.

Selection for each year’s class is highly competitive. Your submitted online application and video are just as important as your in-person interview, if invited. 

Nomination:

A nomination provides staff with information necessary to contact a candidate and ask them to submit the required application. It also provides the volunteer selection committee with additional background and a reference for a candidate’s application. Individuals may apply directly without nomination. 

Nominations are closed for the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2026. The nomination period occurs in the fall before the application window opens. 

Application:

Individuals may apply whether they have been nominated or not. To be considered for the upcoming flagship program, the following is required by the deadline:

1) Submission of the online application which includes essay questions. Please allow time to complete the application in one sitting and on a computer. You will not have the ability to save the application as you are working on it.

2) Nonrefundable $35 fee payable to Leadership Jacksonville. Once the online application is complete, you will be prompted to pay the fee.

3) Submission of a 30-second video. Instructions, prompt and link will be sent via the email provided upon completion of the online application and payment of the processing fee.

Only complete applications will be reviewed by a volunteer selection committee. The committee considers experience, response to essay questions, and the video submission.

DO NOT submit letters of recommendation, resumes or any additional materials. Letters of recommendation or support are not accepted. 

Time commitment for the LJ program consists of two weekend retreats, one in August and one in May, and eight day-long programs. Participation is expected at ALL sessions in their entirety. The Opening Retreat is mandatory in its entirety. CLICK HERE for the Class of 2026 dates.

The application process is OPEN for the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2026.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, January 28 at 11:59 pm.

Interview:

Candidates who have completed the entire application process by the deadline will be notified by early March regarding an interview. Only invited candidates will continue to the in-person interview process. Interviews typically take place in March and April.

A class will be selected from individuals who have interviewed. Those candidates are typically notified in May ahead of the program year.