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Citizens Academy: Spring 2008

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Please Note: The next session of the San Mateo County Citizens Academy will be in Spring 2009. Please check back here for more information or send an e-mail to citizensacademy@co.sanmateo.ca.us to receive updates when available. Thank you for your interest. Spring 2008 The County of San Mateo invites people who live or work in San Mateo County to apply to the Spring 2008 Citizens Academy.   This is a unique opportunity to learn about local government and ways to become involved in your community. Forty participants will meet on eight consecutive Tuesday evenings and for two special Saturday field trips. Citizens Academy participants Participants will tour a jail, meet elected officials, watch a mock trial in a real courtroom, face the challenge of balancing a government budget, hear about emergency services, explore a tidal pool and learn interesting facts about San Mateo County. Tuesday sessions will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. from April 1 to May 20.   Graduates will receive a certificate and will be recognized by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. A trip to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Participants will have the chance to ask questions and to hear from representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Health Department, Human Services Agency, Planning and Building, Public Works, Library services and others.     Frequently Asked Questions   What is the Objective of the Citizens Academy? Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the broad array of programs and services provided by San Mateo County government, the goals and objectives of departments and the complexity of modern government financing. The County of San Mateo has numerous advisory boards and commissions as well as opportunities to perform public service. The San Mateo County Citizens Academy serves as a training ground for volunteers.   Who Can Participate? Anyone who lives or works in San Mateo County may enroll. Due to space constraints, the first 40 eligible applicants will be accepted.   How Do I Apply? Complete the application form and return it to the San Mateo County Manager’s Office by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21. Accepted applicants will be notified as soon as possible following submittal of their completed application and all applicants will be notified by Monday, March 24.   Where Can I Find an Application? Applications can be completed online, e-mailed, faxed or mailed upon request or picked up in person.Click here online to register on-line.To pick up an application, please visit the County Manager's Office at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063.To request an application by e-mail, fax or mail, contact Public Communications Manager Marshall Wilson at mwilson@co.sanmateo.ca.us or at (650) 363-4153.   How Much Does the Academy Cost? The Citizens Academy is free. In recognition of the time commitment necessary to complete each session, light meals will be served to participants each evening session and during the Saturday sessions. The meals are also free.   Graduation Requirements To receive a graduation certificate, participants much attend six of the eight Tuesday sessions and at least one Saturday tour. Family and friends are invited to attend the graduation ceremony.     Testimonials During our Academy experience we met department heads, made suggestions to budget issues and had tours of departments including the "CSI" office in San Mateo County, the court room in Redwood City and the job assistance lab in Daly City. As a taxpayer I felt much more knowledgeable about how my tax dollars work. The time that I spent with the Citizens Academy was both interesting and meaningful. I urge any person with an interest in their community to take advantage of the efforts of the hard working people who spend their time and energy in producing this program. -- Pauline Turski, Graduate   -- Harris Dubrow, Graduate    Citizens Academy Materials