County Accepting Applications for Citizens Academy

Alameda County officials are accepting applications for the 2015 Citizens Academy, a program that gives people insight into the workings of the county and provides opportunities for civic participation.

The six-session program convenes every other week from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting Sept. 23.

The academy used to be known as the Alameda County Leadership Academy. The interactive program includes tours of county operations, demonstrations of equipment and hands-on exercises that allow citizens to see how the county provides services, county officials said.

People who live, work or own a business in the county are eligible to apply.

Participants will learn about the breadth and depth of county services, how officials develop the budget and the county’s mission, county officials said. Learning will take place partly through interactive presentations with county leaders.

County officials said participants will develop their public speaking skills, network with other community members and discover how to increase civic participation.

County officials said academy space is limited. An application is available online and the deadline is Sept. 3.

County officials said they will select applicants on a first-come, first-served basis, but the location of a person’s work or home may help determine the selections so the academy represents the entire county.

--Bay City News