The next semester of the Surprise City Academy begins Feb. 17.

The mission of the Surprise City Academy, hosted by the Surprise Community Development Department Neighborhood Services Division, is to introduce residents to how city government operates and to provide them with the information, resources and tools they need to become educated community members and effective neighborhood leaders.

Classes are from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and will run for 10 sessions.

Most classes will meet at the Surprise City Hall classroom, 12425 W. Bell Road. One class will be conducted at the fire department training facility, where various hands-on activities will be included; another session will be a presentation by the police department at the Public Safety Building Auditorium; and an additional class is scheduled to meet at City Hall to observe the Feb. 19 City Council meeting.

For an application, call Ruby Sitea at 623-222-3242 or e-mail ruby.sitea@surpriseaz.com.