Citizens Academy is an 11-week educational program that informs community members about how local governments are organized, and how services are funded and delivered. It's a place to learn about community involvement through an ingegrated approach to economic vitality, social equity, and a healthy environment.
Session Topics:
Program Requirements:
The Citizens Academy program runs twice each year. Applications are open for the Fall 2024 Program.
Class size is limited.
Applications are open to all who live and or work in Onondaga County, and are age 18 and older.
Program Tuition is $100.00 per participant. A limited number of needs-based scholarships are available.
Fall 2024 Program Information: Participants commit to attending a minimum of eight sessions. Tour attendance is always optional.
Session Information:
Each session is held in-person.
A light meal is provided for each session.
Sessions are held at various government and community venues in Onondaga County.
Session locations often include Skä·noñh: Great Law of Peace Center, Onondaga Community College, Onondaga County Emergency Management Center, Syracuse Community Health Center, and more!
Tours:
Select sessions include an optional tour of the venue. Tours begin at 4:00 and 4:15 p.m..
Tour locations often include Onondaga County Justice Center, Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant, Syracuse Community Health Center, and Syracuse City Hall.
Attendance & Graduation: Participants commit to attending a minimum of eight sessions. Tour attendance is always optional.
Distinguished Graduates attend a minimum of nine sessions and receive:
A Distinguished Graduate badge on their graduation certificate
Special acknowledgment during the graduation ceremony
Eligibility to be chosen, by staff, as the Distinguished Student Speaker for the graduation ceremony
Graduates attend a minimum of eight sessions and receive:
Graduation certificate
Recognition during the graduation ceremony