The Forsyth County Citizens’ Academy is an immersive program that aims to expand residents’ knowledge of their local government by providing a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Forsyth County Government through meetings with County Officials and site visits to various County departments. 

The 2026 Academy class schedule will be finalized soon and posted below. It tentatively will include nine classes held from 6 to 8 p.m. every other Wednesday from May 6 to August 26 with the following County departments: Water and Sewer, Engineering, Capital Projects, Fire Department, Emergency Management Agency, 911, Planning & Community Development, Building & Licensing, Sheriff’s Office/Tour of Jail, Pet Adoption and Resource Center, Animal Services, Finance and the Tax Assessor’s Office. 

Participants must be at least 18 years of age and be able to commit to missing not more than two classes. We are looking for residents who are civic-minded, community-oriented, and who care about their community's future and want to make an impact. Due to the large volume of applications and the limited number of seats in the class, participants will be selected based on the content and submission date of the application.

Please apply online using the following application.

2026 Citizens’ Academy Application

For more information about the Forsyth County Citizens’ Academy, contact

Amanda Roper at aeroper@forsythco.com or (770) 886-2802.

Forsyth County Student Government Academy 

The Forsyth County Student Government Academy is a dynamic civics program for high school juniors that gives them the opportunity to engage with their local government and gain a deeper understanding of how it operates. We aim to enhance students’ leadership skills through conversations with government and community leaders. Additionally, tours of county departments, including the Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, Pet Resource Center, a Water and Sewer facility and more, give students a behind-the-scenes look at county government in action.

Each Forsyth County high school nominates two rising juniors to participate in the program. Students graduate from the program with an expanded knowledge of Forsyth County government and a deeper connection with the community as future leaders. 

For more information about the Forsyth County Student Government Academy, contact Amanda Roper at aeroper@forsythco.com or (770) 886-2802.