HYDE PARK — The University of Chicago is offering a new certificate in civic leadership that gives nonprofit and government workers access to professors and courses at a steep discount.
The new Civic Leadership Academy will offer courses in finance, data analytics and other topics on Thursday evenings and all day Fridays for six months.
The full program is estimated to cost $25,000 per student, but the Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust and the university have committed grant money to bring the cost down to $5,000, with financial assistance available to lower it further.
Unlike other programs, students don’t apply, but are nominated by their employer. The certificate ends with a capstone project that benefits the sponsoring organization.
“These programs and partnerships will help expand the capacity of our city’s institutions and its leaders,” said Derek Douglas, the university’s vice president for civic engagement. “They will also fuel a growing network of civic leaders who will contribute to a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas within the University of Chicago community and across the city of Chicago.”
The university will hold three information sessions on the new certificate, starting with a 6 p.m. meeting Wednesday at the university’s Gleacher Center, 450 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive. To reserve a spot, visit uchicago.edu/community/education/civic_leadership_academy/information_session_rsvp/
The application deadline is Nov. 15 and courses begin in January.
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