The longstanding program, which is a joint venture of the Tonganoxie and Basehor chambers of commerce, is designed to help local citizens focus on developing competencies and skills to meet the challenges facing the community and region. The program also encourages students to be leaders in business, politics and volunteer organizations.

The “school year” is a nine-month program that focuses on personal development, leadership, city, county and state government, communications and volunteerism.

The class meets monthly and includes trips to Leavenworth to visit the courthouse, Topeka to visit the Statehouse and Lawrence to visit the Lawrence Journal-World and Channel 6.

Students also are responsible for meeting outside of class for a group volunteer project and must attend one government meeting during the year. Tuition is $150 and is open to adults. Students from Tonganoxie and Basehor-Linwood high schools also are selected for the class. Businesses often sponsor their employees for the class.

The first class will meet Wednesday, Sept. 18, in Basehor.

For more information, contact vice chairperson Christina Moberly at 913-727-2960 or cmoberly@lansing.ks.us.