Board of Commissioners ยป Special Projects

Durham Neighborhood College

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Due to the impact of COVID-19, Durham Neighborhood College will not be offered in 2020. City and County staff are now focused on the recovery and safety of the community, but hope to bring the program back in the near future.

 

The Durham City-County Neighborhood College is a unique educational program offered by Durham City and County governments. It is a seven-week series of classes that will provide information on key City and County services. Participants will have a chance to meet and interact with City and County staff, and learn things about government that they've always wanted to know but didn't know whom to ask!

Durham Neighborhood College offers one session each fall that begins in September and ends in October. Classes will be held on seven Thursday nights (Sept. 12, 19, 26 & Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24), from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. A light meal will be provided prior to the start of each nightly class. Classes will be held at various city and county facilities.

The last day to apply for the fall session was July 26, 2019. Interested persons should be on the lookout for next  year's application period, which usually begins in late spring and ends in late July.

Space in the Neighborhood College is limited to 30 people, and applications will be accepted to create a diverse participant population from as many Durham neighborhoods as possible. Area high school students ages 15 and up as well as Latino residents are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be current in their vehicle and property taxes at the time of application. The first session will be held on September 12, 2019.

 

What is the Durham Neighborhood College?

The program is to provide educational opportunities for Durham citizens to learn about their local governments. Participants are encouraged to share the knowledge they receive from the program with their neighbors.

Why Participate?

  • You will learn about your City and County governments, how they work and how they impact your neighborhood.
  • You will be able to take that knowledge back to your neighbors and have the ability to be an effective leader in your neighborhood.
  • Some of the topics that will be discussed include: City and County services, community development, public safety, emergency services, health and human services, the City and County budget processes, and environmental services.
Are You Eligible?
  • To be selected, you must be a resident of Durham (County or City)
  • Current in payment of vehicle and property taxes at the time of application.
  • Commit to attending at least 6 of the 7 sessions and complete an evaluation of each session.
  • Have an interest in city and county government and how they serve their residents.

What is the Cost?

There is a $30 fee for citizens who attend the sessions. There are a limited number of scholarships available. Please refer to the application.

What is Expected of Participants?

Participants must be willing to commit the time to attend the once a week sessions. Each participant must earn a specified number of credits in order to be certified as having completed the program.

Application Process

Applications are available at the Durham County Clerk of the Board of Commissioners Office, 2nd Floor, 200 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701. Interested persons should fill out and submit an application to the Clerk's Office. Space in the Neighborhood College is limited to 30 people, and applications will be accepted to create a diverse participant population from as many Durham neighborhoods as possible. The last day to apply for the fall session is July 26, 2019.

If you would like to learn more about the Durham City-County Neighborhood College, contact the County's Public Information Office at (919) 560-0000 or the City's Public Affairs Office at (919) 560-4123.

Applications are available at the Durham County Clerk to the Board of Commissioners Office and online (Application deadline for 2019 has ended). An application can also be downloaded below:

Apply

  • Application Deadline has passed for 2019.

 

Below are highlights from the 2019 Neighborhood College Presentations:

Class Presentations

Session One - September 12, 2019

Session Two - September 19, 2019

  

Session Three- September 26, 2019

 

Session Four - October 3, 2019 

   

 Session 5 - October 10, 2019

 

Session 6 - October 17, 2019

 

Session 7 - October 24, 2019

  • Features an Engagement Fair and Graduation and Dinner!

Below are highlights from some of the 2018 Neighborhood College Presentations:

Class Presentations

Session One - September 6, 2018

Session Two - September 20, 2018 (postponed by one week due to inclement weather).

Session Three - September 27, 2018

Session Four - October 4, 2018

Session Seven - October 18, 2018