JLCA Program Information

The goal of Junior Leadership & Career Academy (JLCA) is to teach and mentor a diverse group of High School Freshmen from Sebastian County area schools on effective and positive ways of leadership and community pride. We hope to inform and prepare these students to become our community’s future workforce. Students have the opportunity to participate in this team-based learning program, which will introduce them to potential employers, business leaders as well as community leaders in our region.

FAQ’s

When are applications due?

              Applications will be available from February 1 – March 15, 2024.

How often will we meet?

                JLCA will meet one Wednesday monthly, typically from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. These days are considered “school business” and will not count against your absences.

What topics will we learn about?

                Topical Sessions: Business & Finance, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Public Service & Military, Higher Education & Workforce Development, and Arts, Hospitality, & Tourism.

What are the requirements to get into the program?

                Incoming high school freshman, GPA of at least 2.0, good school attendance record, two recommendation forms, and an essay telling us why you want to be in JLCA.

How many students are in the program?

                The number of students selected will be based on the quality of the applicants from all participating schools. There is no set number of participants from each school. We average around 30-40 students per year in the class.

How does the application process work?

                The JLCA selection committee will review all applications and students will be contacted for an interview in April– interviews will be conducted via Zoom. The new JLCA Class of 2024-2025 will be announced in late May.