CREC: Capitol Region Interdistrict Leadership Academy (CRILA)

The Capitol Region Interdistrict Leadership Academy (CRILA) is a program created and operated by the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) through an interdistrict grant from the Connecticut State Department of Education. CRILA's mission is: To provide a diverse forum whereby students will practice ethical and collaborative leadership through research and community services.

2019-20 CRILA Program Update

Travel for the 2019-20 CRILA program has been postponed due to COVID.
The application will reopen in November for the 2020-21 school year. We hope to see you then!

Students from schools in the central Connecticut region that are in their sophomore or junior year are eligible to apply to participate. Each year 30 students are selected for their ability to lead, strong academic standing, ability to work with others, and interest in and commitment to community service. CRILA is free for students and school districts.

Participating students have the unique opportunity to:

Attend a seven day all expenses paid Outward Bound experience in Newry, Maine during late June/early July.
Develop and participate in a dynamic and collaborative community service project that will benefit the Hartford region.
Meet and learn from a variety of leaders from many different industries.
Engage in a challenging leadership curriculum designed to teach the attributes of an ethical leader and the skills to be an agent for social change.
Earn high school credit and build leadership skills in preparation for college.

About Eligibility

Students completing their sophomore or junior year of high school are invited to apply to CRILA. Student must attend a public high school in one of the 35 participating school districts: Avon, Berlin, Bloomfield, Bolton, Bristol, Canton, CREC, Cromwell, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Hartland, Manchester, New Britain, New Hartford, Newington, Plainville, Portland, Region 10 (Burlington and Harwinton), Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Somers, Southington, South Windsor, Suffield, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.

The type of student the Academy is looking for is a student who: has a proven ability to lead others in positive pursuits; has strong academic standing; can work successfully with peers and adults; has an interest in and commitment to community service.

There is a $650.00 cost to students to cover travel costs to participate in CRILA. All other costs are covered by CREC. Scholarships are available upon request.

Students are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, commitment to their communities, evidence of service, and leadership potential. A complete application includes:

Student Information Form;
A resume that evidences service, scholarship, and leadership;
An official high school transcript; and
An essay on leadership.