🎉Congrats, Neighborhood University Graduates!
Neighborhood Graduating Class of Fall 2025
Ring the bell and raise your glass!on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, a fresh cohort of 25 civic-minded residents graduated from Neighborhood University! The group of new graduates wrapped up their 12-week civic leadership program with a ceremony at Changeline, listening to the inspiring words of Colorado Springs City Council Member Kimberly Gold, and making plans to continue neighboring together in the future.
Neighborhood University is designed to equip residents of Colorado Springs and El Paso County with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to engage with local government, build consensus with neighbors, and turn ideas into action that improves the quality of life in their communities. Over the course of the fall semester, which began in mid-September, participants dove into a rich curriculum covering topics such as the history of the region, local governance, utilities, planning, economic and housing development, transportation, and advocacy — all aimed at demystifying civic processes and strengthening neighborhood voices.
Graduates said their favorite sessions included an after-hours behind-the-scenes tour at the Pioneer’s Museum with Curator of History Leah Witherow, a presentation on city governance by the Advisor to The Mayor Thomas Thompson, and an evening at Colorado Springs Utilities where students learned about water rights, rate changes, and how we power our city. “This program has motivated and equipped me. I know so much more about how the city operates and how to collaborate with them and with my neighbors to get things done,” said one Neighborhood University participant. “I feel empowered.”
City Council Member Gold is a graduate of Neighborhood University herself and it was a treat to welcome her back to Hey Neighbor for the evening. In her keynote speech to graduates she shared her inspiring personal story and journey to election as a City Council member, and encouraged graduates to stay involved, work for positive change, and to not underestimate their influence.
Neighborhood University isn’t just about education — it’s about building community leadership and fostering connections that last well beyond graduation. As the evening wrapped up on December 10th, alumni were already talking about serving on neighborhood boards, connecting other residents to civic processes, and launching initiatives that bring neighbors together. We’re so excited to see where these new graduates go from here and how they will impact their communities!
Would you, or someone you know, love to participate in this program? Registration for the spring cohort of Neighborhood University is open now, and classes begin on March 4th, 2026.
