Residents looking to play a more active role in their neighborhoods and the Durham community will get their chance to learn how at this spring's Durham Neighborhood College, a class designed specifically for residents to learn about the organization, operations and services of their local City and County governments.

This series of classes, co-sponsored by the City and County of Durham, consists of interactive sessions facilitated by various local government officials, allowing residents to learn about key government operations directly from the elected officials and staff responsible for overseeing key City and County services.

The final day to apply for the spring session is by 5 p.m. today. All applicants must be current in their vehicle and property taxes at the time of application.

The classes will be held on nine Thursday nights beginning February 5, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on one Saturday morning. Space in the Durham Neighborhood College is limited to 25 people. Applications will be accepted to create a diverse participant population from as many Durham neighborhoods as possible as well as residents living outside the city limits. Students must attend eight of the 10 sessions to successfully complete the program.

A light meal is served prior to the start of each class and sessions are held at City and County facilities. There is a $30 fee for citizens accepted into the program and five scholarships are available if needed. Area high school students ages 15 and up, as well as Latino residents, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Interested residents should submit a completed application to the Durham County Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, located at 200 East Main Street, Second Floor, Durham, N.C. 27701.

To learn more about Durham Neighborhood College, or to download an application, visit the City's Web site at www.durhamnc.gov or the County's Web site at www.durhamcountync.gov. Applications are also available at the Durham County Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and the City Clerk's Office. Interested applicants may also contact the City's Office of Public Affairs at (919) 560-4123 or the County's Public Information Office at (919) 560-0008 for information.