Citizens Academy has been a conduit of change and learning in CNY for 20 years!
Graduates join a network of over 700 engaged community members.
Join the Citizens Academy and immerse yourself in engaging Q&A sessions with key government officials and community leaders. Your journey to making a positive impact starts here!
Citizens Academy Fall 2025
Program Topics
Local History | Land Use & Transportation | Economic Vitality | Environmental Stewardship | Health & Human Services | Law Enforcement | Emergency Management | Local Education | Government Budget & Finance
Fall 2025 Program | September 3 – November 12, 2025
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Program Requirements
– Citizens Academy is open to all who live and/or work in Onondaga County, and are age 18 and above.
– Cohort size is limited to 35 participants.
– Program Tuition is $150.00 per participant. A limited number of partial, needs-based scholarships are available. Scholarships range from $25 to $75. Scholarship awards are limited and not guaranteed.
– All sessions are in-person, except for the mandatory welcome session, which is virtual. The following sessions will be offered in-person only.
Session Dates
Participants commit to attending a minimum of eight sessions. Tour attendance is optional.
Welcome Session: Wednesday, September 3, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm<- Attendance Required For Graduation
Wednesday, September 10, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Wednesday, September 17, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Wednesday, September 24, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
*Tuesday*, September 30, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Wednesday, October 8, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Wednesday, October 15, *5:00* pm to 8 pm
Wednesday, October 22, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Wednesday, October 29, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Wednesday, November 5, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
(Graduation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 5:00 pm to 8 pm)
Attendance & Graduation
Participants commit to attending a minimum of eight sessions. Tour attendance is 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
Sessions & Venues
– A light meal is provided for each session.
– Sessions are held at various government and community venues in Onondaga County. Each venue is situated along the bus route.
– Venue locations often include Skä·noñh: Great Law of Peace Center, Syracuse Northeast Community Center, Onondaga County Emergency Management Center, and more!
Tours
– Select sessions include an optional tour of the venue. Tours begin at 4:00-4:15 PM.
– Tour locations often include Onondaga County Justice Center, Syracuse Community Health Center, Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Syracuse City Hall.
– Tours are not guaranteed and are subject to venue availability, weather, and scheduling limitations.
Hear From Our Graduates
Meet the People Who Work In Your Community, For Your Community
