News Summary
Bowling Green is celebrating the graduation of its seventh cohort of the Academy for New Americans, featuring a record 36 graduates from 13 countries. The ceremony will take place at the Sloan Convention Center, showcasing the program’s emphasis on community engagement and leadership development. Participants have been involved in volunteer activities as part of their training, preparing them to take active roles in local governance. The initiative highlights the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering a sense of belonging for new residents.
Bowling Green is set to celebrate the graduation of the seventh cohort of the Academy for New Americans, marking a significant milestone as the largest graduating class in the program’s history. The graduation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 13, at noon, taking place at the Sloan Convention Center following the Academy’s final session on Volunteerism, Civic, and Community Engagement.
This year, the cohort consists of 36 participants representing 13 different countries and ethnicities. Collectively, these graduates speak an impressive 21 different languages. To complete the program, participants were required to attend at least four of the five monthly sessions held from February to June. The focus of the Academy is to provide new Americans with the necessary tools to engage with city government and empower them as leaders in their respective communities.
The final session, which will occur on June 12, highlights the importance of volunteer work. Participants will contribute to the local Bowling Green/Warren County Habitat for Humanity initiatives. Divided into two groups, half of the participants will assist in building a new home at the Durbin Estates Subdivision, while the other half will volunteer at the Bowling Green/Warren County Habitat ReStore, a store that supports community efforts through donations and sales.
Objectives of the Academy for New Americans
The Academy for New Americans was established by the city of Bowling Green to cultivate leadership and community engagement among newly settled individuals. By equipping participants with knowledge about city services, community information, and available resources, the program aims to make these new residents active stakeholders in their neighborhoods and ethnic communities. The initiative is part of a broader commitment by Bowling Green to foster inclusivity and support the integration of diverse populations into civic life.
Community Engagement Focus
Community Engagement officials lead the Academy, ensuring that the curriculum reflects the needs and interests of the participants. The program’s structure emphasizes the importance of understanding local governance and civic responsibilities, preparing graduates to take on influential roles within their communities. With this support, graduates are encouraged to advocate for their communities and participate in local decision-making processes.
The Academy aligns with Bowling Green’s strategic goals of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the city. It has successfully engaged new Americans and provided them with a pathway to become more involved in the city’s development and civic discussions. The large turnout for this year’s cohort further reflects the growing interest in such programs and the community’s commitment to supporting its diverse population.
Future Plans
As the Academy for New Americans continues to grow, plans for future cohorts may include expanded sessions, additional community partnership opportunities, and increased outreach to prospective participants. The success of the program relies on the collaboration between city officials, community organizations, and the participants themselves, fostering a shared vision for a more inclusive and engaged Bowling Green.
For community members interested in learning more about the Academy and future programs, additional information is available on the city’s official website.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Graduation Ceremony for Academy for New Americans
- Toledo Blade: New American Citizens Ceremony
- WNKY: Job Demand in Bowling Green
- WBKO: Bowling Green Artist’s Courtroom Sketches
- Barstool Sports: Marcus Johnson from Bowling Green
- Wikipedia: Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Google Search: Bowling Green Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Bowling Green Kentucky Academy for New Americans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Google News: Bowling Green Kentucky community engagement
