The city of Carlsbad and local educational organizations and institutions have launched a Carlsbad Student Leader Academy.

Carlsbad students in grades nine through 12 attending any high school can apply online for the inaugural session. The leadership development program is the result of a collaboration with the the city, The YouSchool, the Servant Leadership Institute, Carlsbad Unified School District and local high school staff members, according to a city announcement June 1.

The academy is designed to address youth issues in Carlsbad and develop emerging youth leaders through civic education and community projects, the city stated.

“Carlsbad Student Leader Academy is an exciting collaborative and challenge-based leadership development program,” Debbie Fountain, the city’s Housing and Neighborhood Services director, said in the announcement. “The goal is to help emerging youth leaders consider their paths for the future and discover more about themselves and the gifts they have to offer the Carlsbad community. We hope to have high school students from throughout the city collaborate and grow together by learning about themselves, how to lead and how to best serve their community.”

Academy applications are due by Aug. 1, with acceptance notifications sent by Aug. 19. There is no cost to apply. The 10-week program will be held once a week for two hours in the evening. The first session is slated for Sept. 12.

More information: Go online to www.carlsbadstudentleaderacademy.com or contact Courtney Pene at 760-434-2812 or [email protected].