Applications for Citizens Academy 2021 now closed!
Please pay through the “Donate” button on website.
FOCUS Greater Syracuse and Syracuse University are currently reviewing applications. Please check your email periodically!
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
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 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.
“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