FOCUS Greater Syracuse logo
  • Home
    • About
    • FOCUS Board of Directors
  • FOCUS Forums
  • Programs
    • Citizens Academy
    • Wisdom Keeper
    • FOCUS and CNY Community Foundation Project: Life Needs Assessment Survey
    • Livable Community Alliance
    • CNY-CAN for Health
    • Get Involved
  • Initiatives/Reports
  • Contact Us
Home Featured , New/Noteworthy

Citizens Academy

January 28, 2022
Onondaga Lake sunset illuminates the Citizens Academy class.

Applications for Citizens Academy 2021 are now closed.

We have accepted a phenomenal class of engaged citizens for Citizens Academy 2021! Thank you to all who have applied. We are grateful for the many wonderful applications that were sent in this year.

For more information on Citizens Academy, read below.

The Citizens Academy is an interactive educational program that informs citizens about how local governments are organized, and how services are funded and delivered. It is a place to learn about citizen involvement through an integrated approach to economic vitality, social equity, and a healthy environment.

Consider applying and share this information with anyone interested in building a better community with this National Award-Winning and enriching experience.

You can view our brochure here!

Sessions are held on Wednesday evenings, dates are tentative:
• September 15, 22, 29
• October 6, 13, 20, 27
• November 3, 10, 17

The schedule for classes now is 5:30-8 p.m. at various government and community facilities. Some sessions will include tours of the facilities. Tours will begin at 4:15 p.m. and are optional. Light supper will be provided. FOCUS is planning on traditional in-person classes while also adhering to COVID19 safety regulations where applicable. Preparations are being made for a virtual format if that proves necessary; we ask for flexibility from our participants. The COVID-19 vaccination or wearing of masks may be required to attend in-person meetings, based on guidance from Onondaga County.

Fee is $50, due all at once or in two payments: September 1 and October 1. Scholarships are available upon request. The Citizens Academy is open to all who live or work in Onondaga County and are 18 years of age and older. Class size is limited.

With an alumni base of about 600 participants ranging from Onondaga County officials, Syracuse University Professors, lawyers, and local small business owners, Citizens Academy has become a staple within the Greater Syracuse community.

Topics include:
Community Vitality; Economic Vitality; Environmental Stewardship; Schools, Scholars and Resources; Public Safety; Planning, Land Use and Transportation; Local Government Budget and Finance; and the Organization of Local Government.

Citizens Academy is a collaboration between the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, Syracuse University, and FOCUS Greater Syracuse to inform citizens about how local governments are organized and how services are funded and delivered. Major funding for Citizens Academy is provided by Syracuse University with additional support from National Grid. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact FOCUS at 315-448-8732 or focus@syrgov.net

THE ACADEMY FOR 2020 WAS AMAZING

Meet the People Working to Make CNY a Great Place to Live

Citizens Academy Class of 2019
Most of the Citizens Academy Class of 2019 at Syracuse City Hall.

FOCUS Greater Syracuse in partnership with Syracuse University’s Office of Community Engagement, Onondaga County, and the City of Syracuse, offers 15 to 40 selected applicants an 8-week interactive course of study on how local governments are organized and how services are funded and delivered. National Grid and FM Realty also provide support for the 2020 session.

This national award-winning program is a way to learn about citizen involvement through an integrated approach to economic vitality, social equity and a healthy environment. Class members meet with a panel of the people who work on these topics day-to-day to hear about their challenges and opportunities and then to participate in an open question and answer session. Classes meet at locations throughout the Greater Syracuse area and often include tours of the facilities, including the Lakeview Amphitheater, Justice Center, Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Syracuse City Hall. The 2020 session has switched many of these opportunities to a virtual format.

Citizens Academy Class of 2018 - some not pictured.
Citizens Academy Class of 2018 in Common Council Chambers.

Citizens Academy 2018 at the Barnes Hiscock home.
Citizens Academy 2018 recap session at the Barnes Hiscock home.

Citizens Academy 2016 tour at Metro.
Citizens Academy 2016 tours wastewater treatment plant.

Citizens Academy is open to anyone 18 years or older who lives or works in Onondaga County. Classes usually run 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in September, October and November. There is a $50 fee, which can be paid in two payments. Scholarships are available. 

Patterns of Government in Onondaga County – 2018 edition – is the text for the class and is available free online.

You can see some of the class activities in past academy CLASS PHOTOS.

Citizens Academy 2017 pre-class tour of City Hall.
Citizens Academy Class of 2017 tour of Syracuse City Hall.

HOME

“Being part of Citizens Academy was a great experience. Everyone learns so much, and it deepens understanding of news about important issues in our community.”

Stan Linhorst, The Post-Standard leadership columnist and former senior managing editor

  • Previous Wisdom Keeper4 months ago
  • Next FOCUS and CNY Community Foundation Project: Life Needs Assessment Survey4 months ago

Join our Mailing List

Sign up to receive regular updates from FOCUS Greater Syracuse

Join Now

Donate

FOCUS Greater Syracuse accepts secure donations via PayPal. No PayPal account required.

2021 Major Wisdom Keeper Sponsors

Eckardt C. Beck
CNY Business Journal
Hueber Breuer
National Grid
Reisman Foundation
Syracuse University
Wegmans


Please enter the Page ID of the Facebook feed you'd like to display. You can do this in either the Custom Facebook Feed plugin settings or in the shortcode itself. For example, [custom-facebook-feed id=YOUR_PAGE_ID_HERE].

Facebook

Recent Posts

  • May Forum: The Changing Landscape of Local Media May 4, 2022
  • April Forum: FOCUS on Affordable Housing April 19, 2022
  • March Forum: Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases March 7, 2022
2022 FOCUS Greater Syracuse. Donna Theme powered by WordPress