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!
Meet the People Who Work In Your Community, For Your Community
Citizens Academy Winter 2025
Applications Have Closed for Winter 2025.
Please join our mailing list to be notified when applications open for the Fall 2025 program.
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 $100.00 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.
Program Topics
Local History | Land Use & Transportation | Economic Vitality | Environmental Stewardship | Health & Human Services | Law Enforcement | Emergency Management | Local Education | Government Budget & Finance
Winter/Spring 2025 Program | January 29 – April 9, 2025
Participants commit to attending a minimum of eight sessions. Tour attendance is optional.
- Welcome Session: Wednesday, January 29, 6:00 pm to 7 pm <- Attendance Required For Graduation
- Wednesday, February 5, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
- Wednesday, February 12, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
- Wednesday, February 19, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
- Wednesday, February 26, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
- Wednesday, March 5, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
- Wednesday, March 12, 5:00 pm to 8 pm
- Wednesday, March 19, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
- Wednesday, March 26, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
- Wednesday, April 2, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
(Graduation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 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, Onondaga Community College, 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
