Foster City Civics Academy

The City of Foster City is now accepting applications for the 2025 Civics Academy. This 8-week program offers participants a free, immersive, educational, and entertaining look behind the scenes at how local government functions. Those enrolled enjoy the opportunity to meet and learn from staff in the Administrative Services, City Manager, Communications/City Clerk, Community Development, Finance, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Police, and Public Works departments. 

Beginning on Wednesday, August 27, staff hosts weekly classes at City facilities spanning two hours every Wednesday night (6-8pm) until the graduation ceremony at the City Council meeting on Monday, October 20. This year's course will take one week off to allow for observance of Rosh Hashanah on September 24, and resume the following Wednesday. The application form can be downloaded here. Please fill it out and return to civicsacademy@fostercity.org. 

Foster City residents, ages 16 and up, are eligible to apply on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants under 18 require signed permission from a parent or guardian, and youth enrollment will be limited to 5 participants. Meals are provided at each session. Space in the program is limited and in-person attendance is mandatory, so regular, uninterrupted attendance is required. 

Questions or comments can be sent to civicsacademy@fostercity.org, or by calling the Communications/City Clerk Department at (650) 286-3250.