Greene County's citizen leadership program will begin its fourth year in September and applications for participation are being accepted now.

The Greene County Citizens' Academy is a seven-month, 45-hour program designed to expand participant's understanding, awareness and knowledge of Greene County and community issues.

The program is open to anyone who resides or works in Greene County and has an interest in being a benefit to the community.

The Academy will introduce participants to the issues and decision makers in the county, create a network of colleagues throughout the county and harness their collective energy for the improvement and success of Greene County.

"People come away from the academy better connected, more positive and more enthused about home," said Cam Trampke, Academy Program Director. "We now have 45 people who have completed the program and many have taken on more active roles in community organizations and their workplace. All believe the Citizens' Academy has helped them better appreciate their community and energized them to become involved in positive changes. Everyone wins, for those seeking a way to better connect their business to the community, those new to the area who want to become involved and even lifelong residents find new information, new energy, new ideas and new friends."

This year's academy will begin in Sept. 25 and meet twice a month on Thursday mornings.

For an application or more information contact Trampke at the Greene County Community Learning Center by calling 659-3862.

The application, including participant and employer comments can be found on the Learning Center's web site at www.clcinfo.org/greene_schedule.php.

Three hours of college credit or CEU's are available to Academy participants through Indiana State University. The program also provides DIAWA Continous Learning Points.

Tutition is $250 and partial scholarships are available through the Greene County Foundation.

Application deadline is Sept. 1.