Whether you wanted to be a firefighter or a police officer or a mayor when you grew up, the City of Alexandria offers residents several opportunities to learn.
The City of Alexandria's community academies focus on government operations, senior citizen services, police, fire, law enforcement and more.
For more information, including deadlines and application forms, visit alexandriava.gov/Academies.
The following information is from the City of Alexandria:
The City of Alexandria is inviting the community to learn more about the City government by participating in one of its upcoming Academy programs. These Academies are designed to inform, educate, and engage the participants in local government operations, programs, and services available to the community. Below is a list of the available programs and their start dates for the fall 2019 session.
ALEXANDRIA CITY ACADEMY
Held on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m., for nine weeks beginning September 12. This course provides participants with the opportunity to learn about City government through first-hand experience in a wide range of government functions, services, activities, and issues. Details and application
ALEXANDRIA SENIOR ACADEMY
Held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for four weeks beginning September 4. This course is designed to engage, inform and educate Alexandria's seniors (60+) about government functions, programs, and organizations that provide services available to seniors. Details and application
ALEXANDRIA COMMUNITY FIRE ACADEMY
Held on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., for 10 weeks beginning September 10. This course will educate participants about fire safety and emergency medical response; department history, administration and operations; and the apparatus of an urban public safety agency. Participants will also participate in hands-on training to experience a "day in the life" of a firefighter or medic. Details and application
ALEXANDRIA COMMUNITY POLICE ACADEMY
Held on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 10 p.m., for 10 weeks beginning September 11. This course combines presentations and interactive activities on topics including patrol operations, gangs, crime prevention, crime scene investigations, criminal investigations and the Special Operations team. The curriculum covers the core elements that are essential for participants to gain a greater understanding of police operations. Details and application
ALEXANDRIA COMMUNITY SHERIFF'S ACADEMY
Held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning September 7. This course will explore the role of the Sheriff's Office in Alexandria's criminal justice system. Tour the jail, go behind the scenes at the courthouse, meet with deputies responsible for the care and custody of nearly 400 inmates every day, and discover how the Sheriff's Office enhances public safety through a variety of specialized services and outreach programs. Details and application
ALEXANDRIA COMMUNITY COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY ACADEMY
The next session of the Alexandria Community Commonwealth’s Attorney Academy will be held in spring 2020. The class is held at the Alexandria Courthouse and includes information about the Victim-Witness Assistance Program, the law surrounding police-citizen encounters, and an in-depth look at how criminal offenses are prosecuted. Details
All programs are open to those who live or work in the City of Alexandria; some have age restrictions. Please check details for specifics. A graduation ceremony will be held at the end of each course. Applications for all academies will be accepted starting July 9; closing dates vary.
