Neighborhood University is a 12-week course that inspires residents of Colorado Springs and El Paso County to become more engaged citizens and effective community leaders. This program addresses civic disconnection, social isolation, and inaction on local issues by educating residents on how to engage with local government, build strong neighborhood relationships, and turn ideas into actionable solutions. Neighborhood University empowers diverse leaders to navigate complex problems with unbiased inquiry, fostering inclusive, connected, and vibrant communities.

Neighborhood University is held twice a year. The spring cohort is in March-May and the fall cohort is in September-November.

The in-person classes are for 12 weeks. Students will be required to attend every class. We do have alternatives if life happens!

Official dates are added to the section below when they become available.

Civic Understanding: a deep understanding of local government systems and how to participate in decision-making processes

Community Connection: How to foster relationships among neighbors, community leaders, and city officials and staff to build stronger and more unified communities.

Critical Thinking: How to approach complex problems with unbiased curiosity, analyze them objectively, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.

Future-Focused Action: How to turn ideas into actionable solutions to drive meaningful change

Leadership Development: How to cultivate leadership from various backgrounds, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in neighborhood initiatives.

ANYONE!

The ideal candidate is anyone with a passion for the community and who wants to get involved. They can take the skills we teach and apply them to strengthen their community.