Applications are available for the City’s first Youth Civic Leadership Academy (CLA), a free six-week course designed to educate and engage high school students about the inner-workings of City government. The Mayor launched the CLA program last year and is expanding it to include a summer class for high-school aged youths as part of his ServePGH initiative.

The sessions will highlight different City departments and the services they provide to make for a safer, more livable City. City directors will develop their sessions with tours, hands-on demonstrations, and fun activities to provide an up-close and personal view of how their department helps to operate the City. At the conclusion of the course, the Mayor will lead a graduation ceremony where participants will be awarded certificates.

The program will take place on six consecutive Wednesday evenings between July 6 and August 10, 2011 from 5 to 7 p.m. The City will provide bus/shuttle transportation to sessions held at non-Downtown locations.

Applicants must be a high school student residing within Pittsburgh City limits at the time of application. Up to 20 applicants will be selected to participate.  Special consideration will be given to applicants who are highly motivated, interested in local government, and committed to using the experience to make a positive difference in their neighborhood and/or school communities.

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on May 25, 2011; late applications will not be accepted.  Applicants will be notified of their status by mid-June 2011.

Throughout the course, participants will reflect on their experience and will be provided with the opportunity to develop group or self-directed service projects that are based on their experience in the program and can be implemented in their communities.

For more information, visit cla.pittsburghpa.gov, call 412-255-4765, or send an e-mail to civicleaders@city.pittsburgh.pa.us.