My Chesterfield Academy

Chesterfield County, in partnership with the Asian and Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia, or ALSACV, presents My Chesterfield Academy, a program that empowers residents, particularly those from multicultural communities, to understand and navigate Chesterfield County’s government, as well as connect to other community resources. The program began in 2019 as the first of its kind in Virginia.

Preferred applicants are those who are already involved in their communities, have shown leadership abilities, and who are willing to disseminate the information they learn throughout their individual communities. After graduation, participants will be able to help their communities to better understand and access government services. Graduates also will have the opportunities to interact with residents from other communities through the My Chesterfield Academy alumni network.

Academy Overview

Participants will:

• Meet with leaders from county and school departments and tour county facilities.
• Explore how their local government works.
• Learn how to resolve issues.
• Obtain information and resources.

In addition to meeting with local government leaders while learning about programs and services, participants will be encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback. 

Dates

Classes will be held monthly from April-December 2023 (break for July and August). Graduation will be held January 2024.  Academy sessions will run from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

• Session 1: Tuesday, April 25   
• Session 2: Tuesday, May 30 
• Session 3: Tuesday, June 27   
• Session 4: Tuesday, Sept. 26 
• Session 5: Tuesday, Oct. 24
• Session 6: Tuesday, Nov. 21
• Session 7: Tuesday, Dec. 12  

Locations

Sessions are scheduled in county and school facilities, among other sites across the county.

Graduation

Upon completion of the academy, graduation will include recognition at a Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Course Information

Hosted by the Chesterfield County Department of Community Engagement and Resources, My Chesterfield Academy will be funded partially through corporate sponsorships and donations to ALSACV, which is a nonprofit 501(c)3. 

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. 

Application and Selection Process

Interested residents must submit an application beginning Feb. 1. For more information, email My Chesterfield Academy or call 804-796-7085. 

Nomination deadline: Tuesday March 31, 2023, by 5 p.m.

Save an in-progress nomination: In-progress nominations can be saved and resumed at a later time by clicking the Save button in the bottom right of the form, providing an email and then clicking the Send button. An email with a resume link will be sent to the provided email address.