The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce announces that applications for the 2008 Capital Area Student Leadership (CASL) program are now available.

The CASL program is open to high school sophomores who reside in the Greater Concord area, and attend the following schools: Bishop Brady High School, Bow High School, Concord High School, The Derryfield School, Hopkinton High School, John Stark High School, Merrimack Valley  High School, Pembroke Academy, Pittsfield Middle High School and Trinity Baptist High School.

The purpose of the program is to encourage students to become active, effective participants and future leaders in their schools and communities through exposure to the historical, cultural, environmental and civic aspects of the Greater Concord area.

Beginning with an orientation in March, CASL is a series of three session days with each session focusing on an important topic within the community. Utilizing Concord and surrounding towns as its “classroom,” the program is designed to offer first hand knowledge and provide opportunities for dialogue with established leaders.

Through field trips, hands-on experiences and teacher facilitated discussions, the students gain special insight into the functioning of a working community.

CASL seeks sophomores with leadership potential and those who are likely to assume greater community responsibility in the future. A selection committee will review applications and conduct interviews of prospective participants. CASL is generously underwritten by Northeast Delta Dental.

The application deadline is Dec. 7.  To download an application, go to www.concordnh chamber.com/casl.pdf, or call  224-2508.