Collegiate Recovery
Leadership Academy

The Collegiate Recovery Leadership Academy (CRLA) is an academic year-long fellowship program for students who are passionate about the intersection of addiction and mental health recovery, leadership, and advocacy. Students who are accepted into the CRLA will implement a recovery focused impact project on their campus, receive advocacy training, attend two in-person events, and be part of a supportive cohort of peers from around the country.

The CRLA application process consists of submitting the provided application and a brief Zoom interview. Applications will close on Sunday, September 15.

Please review the frequently asked questions and the program expectations before applying.

Applicant Criteria

• Student must be enrolled in post-secondary coursework throughout the duration of the 2024/2025 academic year
• Student must have completed at least one year at their college/university already. We find familiarity with your campus helpful in creating change in the community.
• Student must be interested in addiction and mental health recovery, leadership, and advocacy.

Benefits of the Leadership Academy include:

• Involvement in shaping the future of prevention, harm reduction, and recovery
• Deepen professional and personal development
• Social justice and advocacy training to create sustainable change
• Build relationships with other passionate students
• Two all-expense paid trips to connect with peers and mentors from around the country

Webinar Series

• Supporting Harm Reduction: MJ Jorgensen and Brandi Drtina
• University Structure and Funding 101: Tyler Rines & Lilly Ettinger
• Supporting Harm Reduction: MJ Jorgensen and Brandi Drtina

Testimonials

“Before I started my journey with the CRLA I thought that I was alone in my vision to bring addiction recovery awareness to higher education. This program has shown me that is not the case and that I am in fact surrounded by many others who share my values, hopes, and dreams.”

–Melissa H., Iowa State University

“The CRLA gave me a voice. I felt empowered and accepted. I learned that there is value to my lived experience and that my past is my greatest resource. I was able to connect with other students in recovery and feel like less of an imposter. I learned I was not alone and that, if I had the courage, I could make a difference on my campus, and I did, all because the CRLA supported me every step of the way.”

-Matthew P., Florida Atlantic University

“This was an absolutely incredible program. Not only has this helped to grow our campus program, but I myself have grown. I have gained confidence and been able to connect with people I never would have been able to connect with without this program.”

-Lilinoe K., University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa