AVON PARK, Fla.–Aug. 6, 2015–Leadership Highlands is accepting applications for the class of 2016 through Aug. 31. Leadership Highlands familiarizes participants with the infrastructure, agencies, and economic enterprises that exist in Highlands County; exposes participants to the range of needs in the community and identifies resources to meet those needs; provides participants with the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with each other and existing community leaders; and encourages civic participation and volunteer involvement in the community.  

The program is a partnership between South Florida State College (SFSC) and the Avon Park, Lake Placid, and Sebring chambers of commerce and is administered by SFSC. Each class includes an orientation in August, a retreat in September, and nine monthly themed sessions that include an overnight trip to Tallahassee and graduation ceremony in June. Previous classes have included visits to the Lake Placid murals, Sebring Regional Airport, local hospitals, city and county governments, and the court system.  

For more information, visit Leadership Highlands or contact Kris Juve, program director, at 784-7189 or juvek@southflorida.edu. Complete an application and return it by Aug. 31 to the Avon Park, Lake Placid, or Sebring chamber of commerce, or mail to Leadership Highlands, Attn: Kris Juve, SFSC, 600 W. College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825.