MyCity Academy is a free civic and leadership training program for any Nashville resident that empowers participants to gain a better understanding of how their government works, learn how to become civically engaged, and share valuable information with their communities.
Since the program’s launch in 2012, MyCity has had over 200 individuals participate with representation from over 50 countries. The program was initially started to target immigrant, refugee, newcomer residents but has since expanded to include anyone who would like to get more involved in their city!
About the Program
Session topics include but are not limited to the following:
- A History of Nashville
- An Overview of Metro Government and Functions
- About Metro’s Budget
- Human Services offered through departments such as Metro Social Services and Metro Action Commission
- Education
- Metro Nashville Police Department
- Nashville Fire Department
- Codes
- Public Health
- Property Taxes and Property Values
- Courts
- Waste and Recycling
- Public Transportation
- Libraries and Parks
- Parks and Commissions
- How Local Laws are Made
Participants will have the opportunity to interact with individuals and leaders from other communities through their participation in the MyCity alumni network. A graduation will be held at the end of the program.
MyCity Academy Applications
The MyCity Academy applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you are interested in applying for the next cohort, please fill out the Community Involvement form.
What are the program requirements?
Applicants are required to regularly attend sessions. Sessions will be two hours and held in-person. Evening and morning sessions may be offered.
Who Should Apply?
This program is geared towards anyone who has an interest in learning more about local government.
Applicants should live or work within Davidson County.
Applicants should also be willing and able to share information and resources obtained in class with their neighbors and communities.
Questions?
For more information, please email newamericans@nashville.gov or call 615-880-2696.
Hear from MyCity Alumni
"MyCity Academy kind of opened the city up to me so that I could participate in the life of the city and also bring along my community." – Mohammed-Shukri Hassan
"My classmates and I worked hard to absorb all we could from our Metro Department leaders about how Nashville's infrastructure, resources, and facilities function. We gained insight on how to utilize and share this knowledge with our family, friends, and neighbors." – Delfine Fox
"MyCity Academy provides a unique opportunity for immigrant and refugee leaders to get to know each other and the communities they represent. Some of my closest colleagues, partners and friends are individuals I met through MyCity Academy." – Angela Harris
Contact Information
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Brittany Irby
Senior Director, Civic and Community Engagement -
Chloe Coulter
Community Engagement Assistant -
Jacky Gomez
Director of New Americans -
Watechia Lawless Mitchell
Director of Children and Youth Initiatives -
Jordan Wilkins
Coordinator, Civic and Community Engagement