The Civic Leadership Academy at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College is an intensive eight day residential program for outstanding New Hampshire high school students. The CLA offers concentrated study in state and local politics for high school students (including graduating seniors) from across the state.

We invite New Hampshire  high school students who will be 16 by July 12, 2008 to apply. 

The learning environment is experiential, collaborative and rigorous. Dr. Peter Josephson, an acclaimed scholar on John Locke and a professor of political theory at Saint Anselm College, guides the learning along with other Saint Anselm College faculty and staff.  Students engage in substantive debate about the policy challenges facing the state and interact with New Hampshire's current public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders. In 2007, more than 50 guest speakers, including Gov. Lynch and Chief Justice Broderick, shared their experiences and insights with the students.

This unique program features a New Hampshire focused, multidisciplinary curriculum with four goals: to educate future leaders of New Hampshire about their responsibilities as citizens in this state; to engage students in understanding how New Hampshire government functions and the most important public issues facing New Hampshire; to connect young citizens from different backgrounds with one another and with current leaders in New Hampshire; and to empower young citizens to make positive, lasting contributions to the civic and political health of New Hampshire. 

We look forward to the 2008 CLA, which will be held July 12 through July 19.  More information and application materials will be available on our website shortly. 

CLA Application (PDF/89KB)
CLA Guidance Counselor Recommendation Form (PDF/76KB)
CLA Teacher Recommendation Form (PDF/78KB)