Mayor Announces Fourth Session of MyCity Academy

Applications Being Accepted for Free Program That Empowers New Americans, Neighborhood Leaders to Understand, Participate in Metro Government

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean today announced that MyCity Academy is now accepting applications for its fourth session. This program, which is free to participants, helps New Americans and neighborhood leaders gain a better understanding of how Metro government works. Participants are chosen as part of a competitive process. MyCity Academy is the first program of its kind in the nation.

“In a city that has one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations in the country, we need programs like MyCity Academy to help ensure that all Nashvillians are able to understand and access government services,” Mayor Dean said. “It's not just the right thing to do — it's the smart thing to do. Diverse communities are the ones that have the best chances to thrive in today's world, and Nashville is proud to be one.”

Over the course of seven months, MyCity Academy participants meet with Mayor Dean, leaders from Metro departments and tour Metro facilities. Upon graduation, participants become part of an extensive and diverse alumni network.

The first meeting for this year's session will be on March 19 and will focus on the formation of Metro government and Nashville's history. Individuals who are interested in applying should review the course information and fill out the online application by Feb. 13. Questions may be directed to newamericans@nashville.gov.

Some 25 countries have been represented so far among MyCity participants. Nearly 12 percent of Nashville's population was born outside of the United States, and nearly half of those people are recent immigrants who entered the country since 2000.

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