Calling All Emerging Leaders: Apply for the 2020 Neighborhood College

posted Mar 9, 2020, 9:00 PM by L M

Learn how to become a neighborhood advocate and effect change through Arlington County’s free Neighborhood College program, which will meet on eight consecutive Thursday evenings beginning April 23.

The program, which launched in 2000, develops civic engagement and leadership skills. It is geared toward Arlingtonians who want to become more involved in neighborhood and countywide issues. Participants will learn about many aspects of Arlington County government and practice core communication and influencing skills.

Apply to Neighborhood College

Space is limited. Deadline is March 29. Applications are available in English and Spanish.

Sessions will feature conversations with County Board members and staff from the County Manager’s Office, the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development, the Department of Environmental Services Transportation Division, Police, Sheriff’s Office, the Office of the Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management, and more.

For more information, call 703-228-7933 or email nmartinez@arlingtonva.us.

About Neighborhood College

Neighborhood College is a key component of Arlington’s civic engagement infrastructure. The program seeks to strengthen our community by building broader, more diverse participation in Arlington’s civic life. Its goal is to give Arlingtonians skills that will help them raise and address issues in their neighborhoods, or in the County as a whole, and to encourage their involvement in volunteer activities.

Nearly 400 participants have graduated from Neighborhood College. Graduates have gone on to become neighborhood leaders, members of advisory groups and commissions, officers in their civic associations, County Board members, volunteers at nonprofit organizations, local activists, and more. County Board members Katie Cristol (class of 2012) and Matt de Ferranti (class of 2017), deepened their engagement in civic affairs after participating in Neighborhood College.

What You Need to Know

  • Apply by March 29

  • Space limited to 25 participants

  • FREE child care and Spanish interpretation provided if needed

  • Course is FREE to participants

  • Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 6–9:30 pm

  • Each session begins with light dinner

  • Sessions will be held at the Bozman Government Center, located at 2100 Clarendon Blvd.

Media Contact

Gina Wimpey,

View this release in our newsroom