I wanted to reach out and inform you of an exciting new program, launched in collaboration with Mayor Jorge Elorza and members of the African American Ambassadors Education Reform Subgroup that will familiarize participants with City services and municipal government.

Providence Community Academy is a free, interactive nine-week pilot program designed for 30 residents beginning April 25, 2022. The goal of the Community Academy program is to deepen participants’ understanding of how Providence’s municipal government operates and to promote a two-way dialogue between City staff and residents. Sessions will focus on the role of municipal government, including a review of the different branches of government, the functions of City departments and an overview of the City’s budgetary process.

Online applications for the Providence Community Academy cohort are available now at https://providenceri.gov/communityacademy and are due March 18, 2022, at 4:30 PM. Individuals 16 years or older are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to those living or working within the City of Providence. Anyone under the age of 18 will be required to obtain a waiver from a parent or guardian. Applicants will be notified of acceptance into this spring’s cohort by April 4, 2022. COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed throughout any in-person sessions.