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New Bern 101

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NEW BERN 101

   Check_markConnect with other people
   Check_markGet more involved with your         
        community
   Check_markMeet staff & city leaders
   Check_markLearn about city programs &
        services


Click here, complete the application
& return it in-person to:
City Hall
300 Pollock Street
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Session Evaluations
for Current Participants
The City of New Bern launched New Bern 101, an interactive program designed to introduce participants to local government, in the fall of 2021. The program is similar to a citizens academy, but you do not have to be a resident of the city to participate.  Anyone aged 15 years-old and up can apply (minors should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program). If you're interested, complete the application (at right) and return it in-person to City Hall located at 300 Pollock Street.

New Bern 101 provides participants with a comprehensive look at the structure and functions of local government. Participants will meet staff and elected officials during the eight week program, and gain insight into how government decisions, programs, and services affect quality of life.  You will also get a behind-the-scenes look at city projects, take tours of city buildings, and hear directly from staff about what it takes to budget for and operate our nine internal departments.  Snacks and refreshments will be served at each session and transportation to project sites and facility tours will be provided. 

New Bern 101 is free and open to the public. Sessions will be held at various locations and will run weekly on Thursdays beginning at 4pm (except for the last session which will occur on a Tuesday in which there is a Board of Aldermen meeting).  Each session will last approximately 3 hours. 

At the final session of New Bern 101, the class will attend a Board of Aldermen meeting.  Participants will get a chance to meet and speak with the Governing Board ahead of time, and then during the meeting the class will be recognized and will receive their certificates of completion.  Attendance at all sessions is mandatory in order to receive your certificate. If you miss a session(s), you must make it/them up in the immediately following season (for example, if you miss a session in the spring program, you must make it up in the immediately following fall program).  If you cannot make up the session(s) missed in the immediately following season, participants must repeat the entire 8-week New Bern 101 program. Participants who would like to take the program again must wait three years after their graduation before re-enrolling.

Fall 2023 Sessions (4pm-7pm)
Thursday, September 28: Administration & Human Resources
Thursday, October 5: New Bern Police Department
Thursday, October 12: New Bern Fire-Rescue
Thursday, October 19: Parks & Recreation
Thursday, October 26: Development Services
Thursday, November 2: Public Works
Thursday, November 9: Department of Public Utilities 
Tuesday, November 14: Finance/Governing Board

If you have always wanted to get more involved in your community, connect with other people, and create relationships for better communication with local government, New Bern 101 is for you! Complete the application and return it to City Hall located at 300 Pollock Street.  We're open Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm except holidays to accept applications. 

Want to know more about New Bern 101? Check out our YouTube video from the students' perspective!