Leadership Jacksonville, an organization that develops youth and adult leaders in Northeast Florida, is accepting applications for its Collegiate Leadership Experience (CLE) program. Applications for the CLE Class of 2015 will be accepted through Feb. 20, 2015.

The Collegiate Leadership Experience is a unique summer opportunity that allows college students to interact with community leaders, network with professionals and go behind the scenes to explore difficult community issues and community assets. Applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate students (preferably between 18 and 28 years old), have been enrolled for at least two semesters and in good standing at their college or university, and have demonstrated leadership skills in college.

“The Collegiate Leadership Experience is a foundational program that has a tremendous influence on our future leaders,” said Leadership Jacksonville Executive Director Jill Langford Dame. “The goals of the program are to inspire responsible, ethical leaders who will live and work in Northeast Florida and serve as community trustees.”

The Collegiate Leadership Experience will take place from May 28 through Aug. 1, 2015 and will include a “Meet the Class” reception, opening and closing retreats and a series of workshops focusing on such community issues as social justice, government, education, arts and entertainment, economy, growth and environment.

Last year’s CLE class represented many local and Florida schools, including the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, Florida A&M University, the University of North Florida, Flagler College, Jacksonville University and Florida State College at Jacksonville, as well as institutions around the country including Davidson College, Johns Hopkins University, Scripps College and the University of Rochester.

To learn more about the Collegiate Leadership Experience and other Leadership Jacksonville programs, visit www.leadershipjax.org or call (904) 396-6263.