NORFOLK, Neb. -- "So, we try to travel around and see different parts of the city and bring the class to each division,” said Communications Manager Nick Stevenson. 

The city of Norfolk will begin its 8-week Norfolk 101: Citizens Academy in September. 

The academy will pick the first 18 applicants to gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on each city division and learn exactly what goes into making their community run. 

"A lot of times in the city, you see things and you see the final product, you know whether that's at a city council meeting of something getting approved or you turn on your faucet your water comes out, or the garbage man comes and takes your trash,” said Stevenson. “You see the final product or the beginning of certain things, so to come to this class and go to each division night by night, I hope people can see what goes into each division, what it takes." 

Each class takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays in a new location within the city, and features tours, in-person Q and A's, and more. 

Stevenson said it's a great experience to learn from those in the field. 

"You also get to meet the people behind each division as well," Stevenson said. "I think one of our greatest assets here at the city is the employees, so to meet those people one on one is great." 

Once they have completed each class detailing all 15 divisions, the academy students will be highlighted at a city council meeting. 

"The final time we all meet will be the November city council meeting,” said Stevenson. “We'll have an opportunity before the meeting to sit down with the mayor and the city administrator, and kind of go over everything that we've been through, and then there's a special graduation recognition at the city council meeting at the end as well." 

Applications are due by mail, email, or drop-off by Sept. 1, with the acceptance notifications going out the week of Sept. 4. 

Stevenson said that the city and its divisions are excited to welcome this year's academy.