San Carlos Students Encouraged To Enroll In 'Civics 101' Academy

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — County government touches every person who lives, works and plays in San Mateo County — but how much does the community know about what it does and how it does it?

Civics 101, the County of San Mateo’s nine-week citizens academy, is the place to find out and is currently recruiting for its upcoming Class of 2017. The free academy, which meets weekly beginning Sept. 13, provides participants a peek into the inner workings of County government through presentations by department heads, a hike at Edgewood Park and a tour of San Mateo Medical Center.

The County’s goal is for better understanding of how it provides programs and services and in return also hear from the public about its priorities and suggestions. The experience has also motivated several past graduates to serve on one of the County’s many boards and commissions.

Civics 101 is open to individuals 18 and older (as of Sept. 1, 2017) who live or work in San Mateo County and are able to attend one weekly night session and one Saturday for the duration of the academy. Classes will be held Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Many classes are held in Board Chambers in Redwood City but some are at off-site locations throughout the county. The academy concludes with a sit-down dinner and graduation ceremony.

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 22, 2017, and notification of acceptance delivered by Aug. 25, 2017. Seating is limited and early submission is encouraged. The application form and more information including a complete schedule is available at http://cmo.smcgov.org/civics-101-academy or by contacting Eric Forgaard, civic engagement and public outreach specialist, at eforgaard@smcgov.org or 650-363-4657.

— SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: County of San Mateo