After a dozen years of helping to develop new leaders in Suffolk, the Suffolk Leadership Academy has set out once again to put together a class of people who wish to learn more about what makes Suffolk work and about what they can do to help make it work even better.

With more than 200 graduates, the annual eight-week program has helped build connections and understanding between Suffolk and its up-and-coming professionals from all types of industries, civic organizations and even the city’s high schools. They come to the Academy for a better understanding of the community in which they live and a better understanding of the people who help make that community run, and they leave with a pocketful of new contacts that are vital in building that community and their businesses.

Many of the Academy’s graduates have gone on to work in community organizations or even run for elected office. The common thread is that graduates leave with a newfound sense of how they can work to improve the place they call home.

During the course of eight Tuesday night sessions, the class will discuss topics including the history of Suffolk, local government, economic development and regionalism, tourism, agriculture, education and volunteerism.

Tuition is $300, which includes dinner each night, as well as two field trips — a tour of Suffolk and a visit to the General Assembly in Richmond. Some scholarships are available, and the group is encouraging sponsorships at a variety of levels.

For more information about this worthwhile program, contact committee member and graduate Kenda Council at 539-8789, ext. 3339, or at kcouncil@nsacademy.org.