The Suffolk Leadership Academy hopes to add dozens of new graduates to its ranks in April.

The 11th annual Suffolk Leadership Academy will begin Feb. 2. The academy is designed to develop and strengthen leadership skills for citizens who want to serve the community, as well as to foster a better understanding of the workings of city and state government.

More than 200 students have graduated from the Suffolk Leadership Academy, including city employees and community and corporate leaders. Sessions are held at City Hall, 441 Market St., and include instruction in the theory and practical application of leadership by W. Ross Boone.

Each class runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday from Feb. 2 to April 26, with the exception of Feb. 9 and Feb. 23. On Feb. 9, students will take a tour of Suffolk; on Feb. 23, students will take a trip to Richmond.

Topics include city government, economic development, agriculture, education, volunteerism and more. Students also will complete a “shadow a leader” project and report to their classmates on their findings. A graduation ceremony will be held April 26.

The cost of the class is $350. Individuals are encouraged to apply, and companies are encouraged to enroll an employee or sponsor a student.

For more information on the leadership academy, or to receive an application, call 539-8789 x. 3339 or e-mail kcouncil@nsacademy.org.