North Port University wins national award for community engagement

Published on May 29, 2025

The City of North Port has earned national recognition for its North Port University (NPU) program.

The City won first place in the "community engagement event" category at last week's Blue Pencil and Gold Screen awards ceremony, hosted by the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) in Pittsburgh. The NPU program was chosen to win by peer judges reviewing entries from all levels of government, including federal, state, county, local, military and tribal agencies.

"These honorees have demonstrated the highest standards of excellence in public service messaging," NAGC President Leslie Gervasio said. "Their work exemplifies the power of clear, creative and impactful communication in informing and engaging the public. We celebrate their achievements and the vital role they play in strengthening trust and transparency."

North Port University is a free, eight-session course of interactive classes designed to provide insight into City government. NPU gives citizens an up-close and personal look at how North Port's government functions and helps shape our community.

The program launched in 2024 and recently celebrated its second class of graduates. To learn more about NPU and to sign up to receive notifications when registration opens for the next class later this fall, visit NorthPortFL.gov/NPU.

"We are blown away by the overwhelming interest in North Port University and the positive feedback we've received from the participants so far," Communications Manager Jason Bartolone said. "The program is a great way for the City to increase transparency, build trust and educate our residents, and it's an honor to see those efforts recognized at a national level."

For more information about the NAGC and award recipients, visit nagc.com.