Bellevue Essentials, a civic leadership class for people to learn more about their community at the neighborhood level, will launch on Sept. 25 with eight weekly evening sessions and one Saturday workshop.

Participants will have opportunities to meet with neighborhood leaders, decision makers and elected officials. Sessions will cover areas such as transportation, education, arts and cultural diversity.

Bellevue Essentials will have open enrollment, but will give preference to applicants who are new to public service and represent the geographic and neighborhood diversity across the city of Bellevue.

The initial class size will be limited to 30 participants. Tuition will be $95, with financial assistance available. Tuition includes all classes, materials and a light dinner at each of the eight sessions.

To request an application for yourself or to recommend a candidate, contact Julie Ellenhorn at 425-452-5372 or jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov.