Neighborhood Ambassador Academy

Manatee County’s Neighborhood Ambassador Academy is an interactive civic and public information program, that will give residents the opportunity to learn more their local government and services that are available to them in an easy, interactive way on-demand, at their convenience. This 8-week program is intended to provide participants with insight into functions of local government, allows an overview of the budgetary process, explains steps into organizing a neighborhood organization, and provides an outlet for citizen input. The Citizen's Academy will be held once a year, in a hybrid format (both in-person and online). The Citizen's Academy is an interactive program that incorporates hands-on activities as part of the learning process and provides a behind the scenes look at municipal government operations. (This program is a free public information program.)

The Citizen’s Academy is held August 7, 2024, through September 25, 2024, weekly on Wednesday evening, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Participants are expected to attend at least 6 of the 8 sessions in order to receive a Certificate of Completion at the graduation ceremony. Workshop sessions will be held at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, FL, 34211 and Central Library 1301 1st Ave West, Bradenton, FL, 34205.

*Please note: Enrollment in the Citizens Academy is limited. Please note that light snacks and refreshments will be provided at each session.

Program at a Glance

Objective: The Citizens Academy is a series of professionally led workshop sessions designed to familiarize citizens with Manatee County government and the services it provides.

Benefits: Learn first-hand about Manatee County’s government, interact with county officials, learn about tools offered to county residents, and much more!

Class Size: Classes are limited to 30 participants. The Citizen’s Academy is open to anyone interested, must be 18 years old to participate.

Curriculum: A 1.5-hour weekly session, Wednesday nights for 8 weeks, ending with a graduation ceremony. Each session will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m.

Ready to Apply?

Class size is limited to approximately 30 participants.

Registration is on a first come, first served basis. If more than the allotted slots are requested, the names will be put on a waiting list in the order they were received for the next session.

There are no qualifications needed other being interested in the program, and the only requirement of the class is attendance.