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
Applications for Fall 2025 will open in June.
Please join our mailing list to be notified when applications open for the Fall 2025 program.
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
Click each drop down button for details.
Program Requirements
– Class size is limited.
– Citizens Academy is open to all who live and/or work in Onondaga County, and are age 18 and above.
– Program Tuition is $150.00 per participant. A limited number of needs-based scholarships are available.
– 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.
– 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.
Hear From Our Graduates
Meet the People Who Work In Your Community, For Your Community
