Henrico County accepting applications for ‘My Henrico Academy’
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The application process is now open for “My Henrico Academy,” a program from Henrico County designed to provide educational leadership opportunities for members of the local immigrant community.
The program, which is free and now in its third year, provides curated courses about local government. It will accept as many as 30 immigrant and descendent candidates to meet with county officials, tour facilities and expand their knowledge of how county government works for them.
The program is accepting applications through Monday, March 13. It is open to residents of all localities.
Participants will attend seven sessions from May through November, during which they will have opportunities for in-person conversations with county leaders. Meetings will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at locations throughout Henrico. Each meeting will include a culturally diverse meal sourced from local vendors to support the community.
More than 40 community leaders have graduated from My Henrico Academy since 2019. The program paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the 25 graduates, or “ambassadors,” completed the program with insight on such topics as governance, public services, recreational resources and civic engagement.
“My Henrico Academy empowers members of active and engaged communities with an informed voice of county officials, who participate to connect, establish relationships and gain a greater awareness of individuals’ broad interests, talents, knowledge and focus,” said Raina Vann, multicultural community liaison for Henrico.
“Throughout the program, ambassadors form strong connections with leaders to expand outreach,” she said. “They are eager to elevate their service and welcome new candidates to the 2023 program.”
Vann noted that people who thrive in the program seek information to share with others who may not have the same access to resources and networks.
For details about about My Henrico Academy, contact Vann at van091@henrico.us or (804) 501-5844.
