Information about Neighborhood College

Durham City-County Neighborhood College is a unique educational program offered by Durham City and County governments. It is a seven-week series of classes that will provide information on key City and County services. Participants will have a chance to meet and interact with City and County staff and learn things about government that they've always wanted to know but didn't know whom to ask!

Durham Neighborhood College offers one session each fall that begins in September and ends in October. Classes will be held on seven Thursday nights, from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. A light meal will be provided prior to the start of each nightly class.

Apply here. Please note that this year's application process closed on June 21, 2024.

Space in the Neighborhood College is limited to 25 people, and applications will be accepted to create a diverse participant population from as many Durham neighborhoods as possible. Area high school students ages 15 and up as well as Latino residents are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be current in their vehicle and property taxes at the time of application. 

What is the Durham Neighborhood College?

The program is to provide educational opportunities for Durham citizens to learn about their local governments. Participants are encouraged to share the knowledge they receive from the program with their neighbors.

Why Participate?

• You will learn about your City and County governments, how they work and how they impact your neighborhood.
• You will be able to take that knowledge back to your neighbors and have the ability to be an effective leader in your neighborhood.
• Some of the topics that will be discussed include: City and County services, community development, public safety, emergency services, health and human services, the City and County budget processes, and environmental services.

Are You Eligible?

 To be selected, you must

• be a resident of Durham (County or City).
• be current in payment of vehicle and property taxes at the time of application.
• be committed to attending at least six (6) of the seven (7) sessions and complete an evaluation of each session.
• have an interest in city and county government and how they serve their residents.

What is the Cost?

There is a $35 fee for citizens who attend the sessions. There are a limited number of scholarships available.

What is Expected of Participants?

Participants must be willing to commit the time to attend the once-a-week sessions. Each participant must earn a specified number of credits in order to be certified as having completed the program.

Apply

Applications are available in the following places: 

Online here. Please note that this year's application process closed on June 21, 2024.

Pick up paper applications at the Durham County Public Information Office, located on the second floor of the Durham County Administration I Building, 200 E. Main Street. The office is to the left of the Board of County Commissioners' Chambers.

Application Process

Space in the Neighborhood College is limited to 25 people, and applications will be accepted to create a diverse participant population from as many Durham neighborhoods as possible.

If you would like to learn more about the Durham City-County Neighborhood College, contact the County's Public Information Office at (919) 560-0000 or the City's Public Affairs Office at (919) 560-4123.

Watch is video from the graduation ceremony for the 2023 class of Durham Neighborhood College. 

Below are highlights from the 2024 Neighborhood College Presentations:

Session One - September 5, 2024

Welcome and Overview

• Presentation by UNC School of Government 
• Welcome from Mayor Pro Temp and County Board Chair
• Meet and Greet with Elected Officials and City and County Managers

Session Two - September 12, 2024

• Guided walking tour of downtown Durham's art by Discover Durham
• Presentation by the City of Durham's Solid Waste Management
  • Solid Waste Trivia
  • Repair Cafe Graphic/Flyer
  • Pumpkin Drop Graphic/Flyer
• Presentation by the Durham County Soil & Water Conservation District

Session Three- September 19, 2024

• Presentation by the City of Durham's Community Safety Department by Leah Whitehead, Community Partnerships Coordinator
• Presentation by Durham County Cooperative Extension - Donna Rewalt, Director; Patience Mukelabai, Welcome Baby Program Manager; and Ashley Troth, Horticultural Agent.

Session Four - September 26, 2024

Presentation by Durham Police Department

Presentation by Durham County Sheriff's Office

Presentation by Durham County Budget and Management Services

Presentation by the City of Durham Budget Department

Session 5 - October 3, 2024

Open House/Engagement Fair with various City and County Departments and Programs!

• Durham Oral Histories Project
• Durham County Cooperative Extension
• Durham County Tax Administration
• Durham County Department of Social Services
• Durham County Department of Public Health
• Durham County Board of Elections
• City of Durham Water Management
• City of Durham Parks and Recreation
• City of Durham Community Development
• Durham City-County Planning

Raffle and Giveaways!

Session 6 - October 10, 2024

Public Art Tour presented by Durham County Engineering & Environmental Services and City of Durham General Services

Durham County Presentation

City of Durham Presentation

Presentation by Durham County Department of Public Health

Presentation by City of Durham Neighborhood Improvement Services 

Session 7 - October 17, 2024