The organization was established in 1976 under the joint sponsorship of the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. and the Junior League of Jacksonville. Leadership Jacksonville is a member of the National Association for Community Leadership, an organization dedicated to strengthening and transforming communities through leadership development. The Leadership Jacksonville program explores the dynamics of an urban society and analyzes major areas of community concern, group process and leadership skills. Each program day is created by Leadership Jacksonville alumni and staff to include dissemination of information, problem solving and interaction among class members and community leaders. Leadership Jacksonville actively solicits and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.
Selection is highly competitive.
Criteria for selection include demonstrated leadership skills, active involvement in the community and a willingness to invest the time and energy required by the program. Youth Leadership Jacksonville, a division of Leadership Jacksonville, was founded in 1989. This program is designed to identify a diverse group of high school juniors from the First Coast who have demonstrated leadership, and to prepare them to become ethical leaders committed to active community involvement.