Public Communications

Clearwater 101 Citizen's Academy

Clearwater 101 is an interactive program that focuses on educating citizens about the City's governmental processes. Elected officials, department directors and other city staff will host unique and informative sessions designed to give citizens hands-on experience in city government operations. Join other citizens who help keep our community strong by actively participating in City affairs.

NEW! - Applications for the Fall 2008 Clearwater 101 Citizen's Academy are now being accepted. The classes will be held on Tuesdays, Sept. 2 through Nov. 18, from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.. Applications are due August 14, 2008

• Apply online, or
• Fill out and return the application form via mail (PDF file);

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee you a spot in the academy; the number of participants is quite limited. Applications will be considered based on their completeness and on the responses provided.

For the safety of academy particpants, a background check is performed on each applicant. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Communications Department.

View the schedule of Citizen's Academy 2008 sessions with locations (PDF file)

Program History

The first Clearwater 101 Citizen's Leadership Academy began with a picnic held at Moccasin Lake Nature Park on September 14, 2002. Premiering as an eight-week program, it offered Clearwater residents an opportunity to learn how their government functions. Recognizing that residents are the city's most important assets, officials designed the program to educate citizens and help them become more actively involved in local government.

Archive of photos from previous Citizen's Academy classes

• 2007 Citizen's Academy Graduation Photo



• 2005 Citizen's Academy Class Photo
  2005 Class at Fire Training Facility, Oct. 3, 2005
  ( 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 )
  2005 Class at Police Department, Nov. 7, 2005
  ( 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 )
  2005 Class at Ross Norton, Nov. 14, 2005
  2005 Class Graduation Photo



• 2004 Photo Gallery
  2004 Graduation Group Photo



• 2003 Photo Gallery



• 2002 (Inaugural Academy) Photo Gallery
  • September 14, 2002 - Kick-off Picnic at Moccasin Lake
  • September 17, 2002 - Orientation at Council Chambers
  • October 1, 2002 - Tour of Police and Fire Departments
  • October 8, 2002 - Visit to the Countryside Library and the Countryside Recreation Center
  • October 15, 2002 - Tour of the Marine and Aviation, Gas and Solid Waste Departments
  • October 22, 2002 - Met at Municipal Services Building Room 130
  • October 29, 2002 - Tour of the Public Services Complex
  • November 21, 2002 - Graduation at Council Chambers