Citizen Information and Resources
Feb. 10, 2023
In partnership with the Asian and Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia (ALSACV), the county is accepting applications through Friday, March 3 for this year’s installment of My Chesterfield Academy.
This special program is designed to empower residents—especially those from multicultural communities—and help them understand and navigate Chesterfield government as well as other community resources.
Thus far the academy, which began in 2019 and is the first of its kind in Virginia, has featured graduates from 22 different countries of origin including Mexico, Egypt, China, Senegal, Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba and Korea.
Classes will once again be held monthly from April through December (with a break for July and August) and consist of 15-20 participants. In order to take part, individuals only need to live, play or work in Chesterfield County but do not need to be U.S. citizens.
My Chesterfield Academy will meet at locations across the county, introducing participants to a variety of sites and opportunities as they work toward a January 2024 graduation.
The academy consists of seven sessions, held on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., beginning on April 25 and continuing May 30, June 27, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 21 and Dec. 12. Upon completion of the academy, graduation will include recognition at a Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting.
During the academy, participants tour county facilities and meet with government and school leaders in sessions designed to answer the types of unique questions they may have. They explore how their local government works, learn how to resolve issues, and find out how to obtain information and resources.
After completing the program, graduates will have the knowledge and skills needed to help their communities better understand and access government services and will also have the opportunity to interact with residents from other multicultural communities through the My Chesterfield Academy alumni network.
Preferred applicants for the program are those who are involved in their communities, who have exhibited leadership abilities and who are willing to disseminate the information they learn during the academy throughout their communities.
While participation is free, participants are required to deposit a refundable $50 fee to cover meals and other expenses. This fee will be returned upon graduation.
My Chesterfield Academy is hosted by the Chesterfield County Department of Citizen Information and Resources (CIR). It is funded partially through corporate sponsorships and donations to ALSACV, a 501(c)3 organization.
For more information about the academy or how to apply, visit www.chesterfield.gov/MyChesterfieldAcademy, email MCA@chesterfield.gov or call Dalila Medrano, CIR multicultural community engagement coordinator, at 804-796-7085.