CommUniversity
CommUniversity is a series of workshops for community members that focuses on building knowledge and awareness of amenities and services within Apex. The workshops are offered consistently throughout the year, each one focusing on a specific topic.
Preparing Youth to Lead and Thrive
February 26, 2026 | 6 - 8 pm | Apex Senior Center (63 Hunter St)
Join us for a workshop where you can learn how to intentionally design programs and opportunities that prepare youth to become confident and effective community leaders, while also giving them the skills and experiences needed for future career success. The session explores how early exposure to leadership, civic engagement, and skill-building pathways can strengthen both individual outcomes and community impact, setting youth up for success in school, work, and life.
Meet Our Speakers: Rebekah Dixon, M.Ed., CWDP & Ellison Lambert
Rebekah Dixon, M.Ed., CWDP, Youth Employment Program Manager for the City of Raleigh
Rebekah will share insights from the Raleigh Summer Youth Employment Program (RSYEP), which helps teens ages 15–18 develop career skills, leadership abilities, and real-world experience while working with the City of Raleigh.
Ellison Lambert, Volunteer Coordinator for the Apex Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department
Ellison will provide practical strategies for building leadership, teamwork, and engagement through the Apex Youth Council, highlighting ways to connect youth to local programs and opportunities.
Takeaway Knowledge - by the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Understand what helps young people grow as leaders and prepare for work
- Learn practical ways to build youth programs that strengthen leadership, communication, teamwork, and job skills
- Recognize common barriers that keep youth from accessing leadership and career opportunities
- Explore how to connect youth to real-world experiences in their communities and the workforce
- Apply workforce development ideas to youth leadership programs
- Develop clear, actionable plans to create meaningful opportunities that help youth succeed in civic life and future careers
Connect and Dive into Water Resources
March 26, 2026 | 6 - 8 pm | Apex Senior Center (63 Hunter St)
Join us for an interactive education session to help you learn how your Water Resources Department provides dependable, safe, and cost-effective drinking water and wastewater services. Program Goals:
- Provide general education about Apex's utility system and drinking water sources
- Understand how our habits directly affect how our utility operates
- Provide an overview of our long-range planning efforts to ensure we don't run out of resources
- Go over some current large projects and initiatives
Takeaway Knowledge - by the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Understand the various divisions of Water Resources and importance of each in providing service
- Understand where we get water, the water treatment process, and how is it distributed throughout our system
- Why we have water towers
- Where wastewater goes how it's treated
- Basic tips on how we can be better customers to ensure reliability and future maintenance is minimized (e.g. Fats, Oils, and Grease.)
Past Workshops:
Community Safety: A Collaborative Approach to Public Safety
January 22, 2026 | 6 - 8 pm | Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St.
This workshop focused on shared responsibility, situational awareness, and proactive strategies to help residents feel informed and empowered. Participants learned how the Town’s Police and Fire Departments work collaboratively to prevent crime, respond to emergencies, and support community safety.
Planning Ahead
November 20, 2025 | 6:00 pm | Apex Senior Center - Chatham Room
Is your neighborhood or organization prepared for the upcoming year? Join us for an interactive workshop where attendees will learn how to plan ahead and set their community up for success. Whether you’re looking to build new programs, create opportunities to strengthen connections, or improve your planning and organizational strategies, this workshop will guide you through the process of thoughtful planning and intentional action, all geared toward preparation for the upcoming year!
How to be a Welcoming Community
October 23, 2025 | 6:00 pm | Apex Senior Center - Chatham Room
Join speaker Danya Perry for an interactive workshop designed to spark ideas and share practical strategies for fostering connection, building trust, and strengthening belonging across Apex. Together, we’ll explore how small actions can create a truly welcoming community for all who call Apex home.
Engaging Next Generation Leadership
September 18, 2025 | 6:00 pm | Apex Senior Center - Salem Room
Join us for Engaging Next Generation Leadership, an interactive workshop designed to help neighborhoods and organizations connect with the emerging generation of community leaders. This dynamic session will feature two of Apex’s own champions, Ellison Lambert, Volunteer Coordinator for the Apex Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department and Courtney Butler, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator for the Apex Fire Department.
Asset Mapping 101
August 21, 2025 | 6:00 pm | Apex Senior Center
David Hunt, from David Hunt & Associates, introduced attendees to the fundamentals of asset-based community development. Through hands-on activities and guided discussions, participants explored, identified, and mapped the assets that already exist within their neighborhood or organization.
Writing Your Neighborhood History
July 24, 2025 | 6:00 pm | Apex Senior Center
City of Raleigh's Grady Bussey led an interactive workshop that will gave attendees the tools and guidance needed to begin writing the history and profile of their neighborhood.
Starting Your Neighborhood Association
June 26th | 6 pm - 8 pm | John M. Brown Community Center
Building a sustainable and resilient neighborhood begins with fostering a sense of community. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by creating and maintaining an active neighborhood association. This group of committed neighbors collaborates to tackle challenges, share ideas, and strengthen connections, helping to create a more vibrant and supportive community.
Crafting Messages That Matter
Thursday, May 22nd | 6 - 8 pm | Apex Senior Center
The Town of Apex Communications team led an interactive workshop where attendees gained skills to better inform and inspire their neighbors through creating a solid brand, understanding social media messaging, and more.
Transforming Conflict into Collaboration
Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 6 - 8 pm | Apex Senior Center
Professional development trainer and Apex Human Resources Department staff member, Nicole Houghton, hosted an interactive workshop where attendees gained strategies and tools needed to turn conflict into collaboration. This workshop, taught attendees how to manage conversations to achieve the best outcomes.
Community Safety: A Collaborative Approach to Public Safety
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 6 - 8 pm | Apex Senior Center
This event provided an engaging conversation between residents and Apex Fire and Police in order to raise awareness and encourage proactive safety measures within neighborhoods.