HUNTSVILLE – Representing all vocations and walks of life, Huntsville’s Civic Engagement Academy is an opportunity to see “behind the scenes’ of how city government works.

The free, eight-week program – hosted by the city’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – kicks off Sept. 26 and runs Tuesday nights through Nov. 14. To apply, click here.

Rion Golden, a program graduate and senior development officer at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, said the program is “truly something special.”

“(The team does) a phenomenal job of giving everyone a ‘behind-the-scenes look’ at how our different City departments work together to achieve a common goal: making Huntsville an incredible place for all of us to live,” Golden said. “After going through this program, I could not feel more optimistic about the future here in the Rocket City.

“If you are interested in learning how our city works – and how you can be a part of it – I cannot think of a better place to be.”

The academy introduces residents to city government through a series of classes. Also, participants engage with city leaders and learn how to get involved with local government.

“Since its inception, the CEA has been a remarkable success with more than 100 citizens going through the program and coming out more informed, better equipped and deeply inspired to make a difference in our community,” said ODEI Director Kenny Anderson. “We encourage anyone with a desire to learn and grow to apply.”

Terri Hayes, a Constituent Service Program Officer for the city, participated in the program this year and said it was a great experience.

“We learned detailed information about our city government and how it works,” she said. “This information helped us understand the in-depth functions of each department.

“Each class was fun and informative, allowing us to interact with each other, the department heads and even the mayor.”