Junior Leadership Northeast (JLNE) is a transformative personal and professional leadership development program for high school juniors. It provides training techniques to advance their leadership skills while increasing their community awareness and civic responsibilities to make positive change. JLNE began in 1987 as a project of the adult Leadership Northeast Class of 1988. It is now guided by its Executive director, Jessica Cronauer, and an Advisory Council consisting of community leaders and Junior Leadership Northeast graduates. The program has the support and participation of 17 Northeastern Pennsylvania public and private high schools, PSEA, local colleges and universities, as well as numerous operations and individuals in the community.

Junior Leadership Northeast offers students an opportunity to work with adult leaders in their community through day-long seminars held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. over nine months. An in-depth curriculum acquaints participants with community needs, opportunities, challenges, and resources, featuring several topic areas including interpersonal communication skills, emotional intelligence, government and citizenship, levels of diversity, the justice system, and other community issues. These sessions are held at various locations within Luzern County.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

• Develop leadership skills and encourage students to interact with community leaders, decision-makers, and peers from seventeen schools
• Challenge emerging leaders to apply their new knowledge and skills to community impact projects
• Acquaint high school students with community needs, resources, and other factors that influence the direction of Northeastern Pennsylvania
• Encourage accountability and empower students to affect positive change in their own lives, as well as the community at large

Foster students’ interest in servant leadership and volunteer community service

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

• JLNE programs take place monthly from September through April. School attendance credit will be granted for each session attended (participants receive a Program Calendar upon acceptance for scheduling purposes)
• Programs will be held at various locations throughout Luzerne County (transportation is the responsibility of the participant)
• Breakfast and lunch will be provided at every program unless otherwise specified
• Participants complete a Community Impact Project and will be required to attend project meetings outside of scheduled program times

SERVICE LEARNING
An integral part of student learning is the selection, organization and implementation of a community impact project. This component of the Junior Leadership Northeast curriculum connects classroom learning to the real world as students actively engage in service to the community. Young leaders are challenged to use their leadership skills as they work together to achieve tangible results.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Students participate in JLNE during their Junior year of high school. Applications to the JLNE program must be completed during the Sophomore year and are subject to our Selection Process. Any sophomore in good academic standing from public, parochial, charter, and/or private schools in Northeast Pennsylvania may apply (with permission from their school Guidance Office and Administration).

To apply view the links below:

2026 Junior Leadership Northeast Program Application

2026 Junior Leadership Northeast Student Leadership Assessment