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“CASL is more than a leadership conference with a bunch of “smart kids.” It is an unforgettable experience that will provide you with knowledge you’ll take with you for the rest of your life, to make a difference in your community or even the world.” –Zach Blanchard, CASL graduate
Capital Area Student Leadership encourages students to become active, effective participants and leaders in their schools and community. The goals of CASL are:
• To recruit sophomores from Greater Concord area high schools who show leadership potential and young adults likely to assume greater community responsibilities. More than 650 students have graduated from CASL over the last two decades.
• To inspire students to develop, refine and utilize their leadership skills in order to contribute to the Greater Concord community.
• To educate students about local issues through the perspective of community leaders.
• To demonstrate problem-solving methods when dealing with opportunities and challenges within the greater Concord community.
• To create a dialogue and develop a network among the students and local leaders.
• To encourage students to recognize and develop leadership styles, skills and roles.
To hear more about the program from a few terrific alumni and two CASL committee members, click here for a video presented by ConcordTV on the "Nonprofit Connection" television show.
Downoad a PDF of the Capital Area Student Leadership brochure.
Any high school sophomore who resides in the Greater Concord area: Allenstown, Andover, Boscawen, Bow, Canterbury, Chichester, Concord, Deerfield, Dunbarton, Henniker, Loudon, Pembroke, Penacook, Pittsfield, Salisbury, Weare or Webster, and attends one of the following area schools: Bishop Brady, Bow, Concord Christian, Concord, the Derryfield School, Hopkinton, John Stark, Merrimack Valley, Parker Academy, Pembroke Academy and Pittsfield is eligible to apply for Capital Area Student Leadership.
Ready to apply? Ask your school's student counselor for a CASL application next fall, or bookmark this page and print the CASL Class of 2019 application once it's posted.
Congratulations to all 26 area students accepted into the 2018 CASL program! Please plan ahead and review the following Capital Area Student Leadership session day agendas before you gather with fellow CASL participants and session day leaders on those dates. Come prepared with questions and be ready to make the most of your time with all the city, state, community and business leaders you'll meet:
Welcome Reception for Students/Parents
Wednesday, February 21 from 5:15-6:00 p.m. in Concord
Student Orientation
Monday, March 5 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in Concord
*Please note the revised dress code by clicking the link above.
History & Culture Session
Wednesday, March 7 from 8:00 a.m.-1:15 p.m.*
*Due to today’s snowstorm, Capital Area Student Leadership session day will end early at 1:15 p.m. immediately following Adam Sexton’s presentation at Phenix Hall above The Works Café on Main Street in Concord.
Communications Session
Wednesday, March 14 from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Concord School District has a two-hour delay; however, all CASL programming will proceed on schedule. Students should plan to arrive at the Concord Monitor no later than 7:50 a.m. Thank you. Please click the "Communications Session" above for a detailed view of the session day agenda.
Justice & Courts Session (Graduation at 5:15 p.m. - parents welcome)
Wednesday, March 21 from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
*Please note the revised dress code and drop-off location by clicking the link above.
Snow Day – Session Make-up Day
In the event that Concord schools are closed because of a snow day, all CASL programming scheduled for that day will be moved to Wednesday, March 28. If Concord School District has a two-hour delay, all CASL programming will proceed on schedule.
Attendance of each session day is vital for Capital Area Student Leadership to meet its objective. Students who cannot commit to the program in its entirety are asked to refrain from enrolling and to leave that slot available to another student who can benefit from CASL. School credit will be given for full participation.
Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from all program dates. Any transportation required during the Session Day will be coordinated by the Chamber.
Capital Area Student Leadership participants meet with prominent civic and business leaders through the state capital. Students are required to dress in business casual attire appropriate for the State House and photos with governement officials. CASL participants also spend time walking around the city in March. Students not dressed appropriately for the weather or for meetings with city leaders and officials will be asked to contact a parent for a change in attire.
CASL is a student leadership program designed to foster independent thinking. Students with questions regarding the program or application process are encouraged to contact Capital Area Student Leadership staff liaison Kristina Carlson directly at (603) 224-2508 x104 or via email.
Thank you to Northeast Delta Dental for sponsoring the CASL program this year. In addition, monies raised through the Chamber's annual Funds for Education Golf Tournament.