FISHERS — Town residents can gain insight into their government during a special academy that begins next week.

Applications are available on the town’s Web site and no one will be turned away, said spokeswoman Sarah Rittman. Typically, Fishers caps enrollment at 20 participants, but this year, officials see no reason to keep it exclusive.

More than 30 people have already signed up, and the town will take applications through Monday, Rittman said. People may join after the nine-week course begins, but they will have to make up the classes they missed and graduate in the fall, when the academy will run again.

The academy will focus on a different town department when it meets each Tuesday. The group will also go on some tours of town facilities.

Participants will be recognized at a Town Council meeting and receive a certificate and T-shirt when they graduate, Rittman said.

Several graduates have been appointed to town board and commissions. Eighteen graduates now serve the town in some capacity, Rittman said.