Department of Neighborhoods

Neighborhood Academy

Neighborhood Academy is an 8-week training course for emerging leaders committed to making a positive impact in their communities. Course topics include leadership development through civic engagement, volunteerism, and voter education; how city and county governments function and impact neighborhoods; and how to effectively navigate City services and local resources.

Course Structure
The fall 2024 cohort will run September 25, 2024 – November 13, 2024. The sessions will be held on Wednesdays, 6-8:30 p.m., via Microsoft Teams and in person. The sessions will be presented by department staff with extensive experience in civic engagement and knowledge of Houston communities and will also feature subject experts with other City departments and partner organizations. Attendance is mandatory.

Course Schedule
September 25, 2024 – In-person
October 2, 2024 – Online
October 3, 2024 – Online (non-mandatory but encouraged)
October 9, 2024 – In-person
October 16, 2024 – Online
October 17, 2024 – Online (non-mandatory but encouraged)
October 23, 2024 – In-person
October 29, 2024 – Online (non-mandatory but encouraged)
October 30, 2024 – Online
November 6, 2024 - Online
November 12, 2024 – Online (non-mandatory but encouraged)
November 13, 2024 – In-person

November 20, 2024 – Graduation

2024 Application

The application period for the fall 2024 cohort will be July 15, 2024 – August 30, 2024. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for updates.

Important Guidelines for Completing Your Application:

• Applicants must be city of Houston residents.
• Answer each question in its entirety with complete sentences.
• Do not provide a business address or P.O. Box. You must provide your home address.
• We’re looking for leaders who want to use their voice to make a statement, not use ChatGPT to make it for them! We want to get to know you and which issues and topics are important to you and your community! The more an application shares your personal views, the challenges you’ve overcome and how you believe Neighborhood Academy will help you build on your accomplishments, the better your chance at admission.
• Applications that do not follow these guidelines will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

For more information, call 832.393.0887 or email neighborhoodacademy@houstontx.gov.