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Youth Leadership Jacksonville

Created in 1989, this year-long program brings together a select and diverse cross section of Northeast Florida high school students with demonstrated leadership ability and prepares them to become ethical leaders committed to active community involvement. Youth Leadership Jacksonville draws together more than 50 students each year.

During this exciting program, students attend an Opening Retreat, six Program Days (one per month) and a Closing Retreat. 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 and interaction with community leaders.

Program dates: August – March
Program Fee: $250 (Scholarships available)

Eligibility requirements:

  • Attend a participating SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) accredited high school in Baker, Clay, Duval or St. Johns County.
  • High school freshmen from participating high schools will be eligible to apply and if selected, would participate during their sophomore 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).

Class Selection:

Nominations for YLJ can only be submitted by the School Liaison at participating high schools and not through this website.
Students nominated by participating high schools go through a thorough selection process involving a written application and interview.

Applications are currently closed.

Contact Programs Director, Meg Folds at [email protected] for the School Liaison contact information at a particular school. Students fill out the written application to be returned to their school before the school’s deadline. The school submits its candidates to Leadership Jacksonville in January. Interviews take place February through March, with the class selection completed by May 1 each year.

Participating high schools in Baker, Clay, Duval and St. John’s counties are eligible to submit applications. Applications are accepted only from these schools. Each participating high school will have the opportunity to nominate 4-6 freshmen. Teams of Leadership Jacksonville alumni interview all candidates and select the class in the spring. Selected students will participate in Youth Leadership Jacksonville during their 2024 – 2025 sophomore year.

Program Goals:

  • Meet students from all areas of Northeast Florida and develop mutual trust and respect for each other.
  • Have an increased awareness of our community’s needs, opportunities, problems and resources.
  • 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.
  • Develop effective styles of leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
  • Become a responsible, ethical leader committed to active community involvement.

YLJ 2025 Calendar (2024-2025)

  • Monday, April 29, 2024: Class 2025 Orientation (MANDATORY for the students selected and at least one of their parents or guardians.)
  • Friday, August 23, 2024 and Saturday, August 24, 2024: Opening Retreat (Mandatory)
    Program Days: 
  • September 12, 2024: Program Day
  • October 10, 2024: Program Day
  • November 7, 2024: Program Day  
  • December 5, 2024: Program Day
  • January 16, 2025: Program Day
  • February 13, 2025: Program Day
  • Saturday, March 8, 2025: Closing Retreat/Graduation

“The lessons I learned about life, our community and society in general are things that cannot be learned inside the classroom, but only through the many hands-on experiences YLJ provides.”