Orientation Meet & Greet

Launch the class year with an energizing October kick-off that sparks connections and community impact.

The journey begins in the fall before the class year. Participants connect with classmates, discover the program’s goals, and explore the community issues they’ll be tackling together. This high-energy half-day session, held in October prior to each new class cycle, sets the stage for an unforgettable year ahead.

Weekly Day-Long Sessions

From January through March, participants take part in day-long sessions addressing the following topics of community interest and concern:

• Local History

• Economic Development, Tourism & Military

• Health & Wellness

• Courts & Public Safety

• Arts & Culture

• Education

• Environment & Sustainability

• Social Services

• Evaluation & Graduation 

Optional Events

Optional “immersive” bonus events are scheduled on non-class days, offering participants additional opportunities to explore the topics in greater depth.

Alumni Activities

Periodically, opportunities for community engagement arise, inviting CLS alumni to lend their support on an as-needed basis. These initiatives help alumni remain engaged and connected with community efforts in the Greater Williamsburg area.

Alumni are offered carefully selected educational opportunities to extend the CLS experience, such as presentations by new speakers or sessions on additional learning topics.

Alumni gatherings foster relationships, facilitate networking, and provide ongoing support after graduation. These activities sustain alumni involvement with CLS by sharing updates on news, events, opportunities, and accomplishments.