(KAIR)--Developed “to provide the public with an understanding of local government operations, programs, and services,” the City of Atchison next month will host a Citizens’ Academy.

According to a release, the program returns following a summer 2020 hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Atchison City Manager Becky Berger, in the release, calling it “a great program for citizens to learn more about the inner workings of the City and how they themselves can participate” in the local government.

The five week program, the release notes, “offers an overview of the City of Atchison's governmental structure, public safety, neighborhood and business services, public works, and utilities,” with participants to “receive in-depth knowledge from government officials about their departments and functions” through informative presentations and hands-on experiences.

The class will be held each Wednesday evening, from 5:30 to 7:00, at Atchison City Hall, with the classes scheduled for June 16, June 23, June 30, July 7, and July 14. A graduation ceremony for participants who complete at least four of the five classes will be held during the City Commission’s Monday, July 19 meeting.

The program is free and open to all Atchison residents over the age of 16, with meals to be provided at every session.

Citizens’ Academy applications can be found at some local Atchison businesses and on the City of Atchison website.

Applications can be submitted through mail at 515 Kansas Ave, in Atchison, or emailed to City Clerk Juile Behler at julieb@cityofatchison.com.

The deadline to apply is June 8th.