Civic Leadership Academy

Applications for the Fall Civic Leadership Academy are now closed.

Please check back in 2025 for the next round of applications!

About

Held every Spring and every Fall, Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) is an engaging 8-week program that provides residents with an in-depth look at City government. The program includes tours and presentations that provide participants with an insiders' view of how the City of New Orleans operates. 

With this knowledge, participants become better equipped to lead collective action in their communities towards the advancement of neighborhood quality of life.

Civic Leadership Academy Interest Form

Goals

• Build capacity of leaders to become effective neighborhood advocates
• Construct a source of leadership from communities
• Encourage collaboration and partnership between a wide range of community organizations

Testimonials

This was clearly a very informative and enlightening experience, learning about the city and our government, an experience that will never be forgotten. The privilege of meeting our very busy and hard-working City personnel was most rewarding, along with meeting new friends in other neighborhoods in the City. I would recommend this class to anyone. 

Alva Edward, Delassize Neighborhood Association

Prior to enrolling in Civic Leadership Academy I was unsure about the functions of City government; but my experience has taught me that every one of the departments we met with does an invaluable job for the city, and it was such a privilege to meet the people who make it possible.

Michael Walker, Hollygrove Dixon Neighborhood

CLA was a wonderful opportunity and quite educational. I now have the tools to proactively rebuild my community. Thanks to the my experience in the cohort I believe enough in myself as a civic leader and that I am capable of making effective change for my neighborhood.

Lisa Domino, New Orleans East Neighborhood