The San Carlos Civics Academy returns this fall after a four-year hiatus to continue its mission of bringing communities together, encouraging talent within students, and promoting good relationships with local governments.
Over the years, the academy hosted many classes and introduced its students to multiple topics, from finance to emergency services.
The academy aims to increase the community’s civic participation through public meetings and volunteering to better San Carlos’ future and its people.
“The program aims to empower San Carlos community members to increase their civic participation. Following graduation, we hope our graduates feel better equipped to participate more actively in public meetings and workshops, share crucial information with their neighbors, volunteer with the city, and collaborate with our city to shape the future of San Carlos,” said Quinne Woolley, an analytical manager at the city of San Carlos.
Additionally, they made new improvements to the academy’s curriculum this year, such as shortening their lessons and forcing more on the topic rather than the department. Another change includes allowing children above 14 to attend a class, which helps high school students interested in politics further understand their passion.
Following graduation, we hope our graduates feel better equipped to participate more actively in public meetings and workshops, share crucial information with their neighbors, volunteer with the city, and collaborate with our city to shape the future of San Carlos.
— Quinne Woolley
“The academy is a great place to collaborate. It’s a chance for people to learn new things and interact with new people and programs,” said Viviana Pojoy Gonzalez, a sophomore from Carlmont High School.
Additionally, the academy focuses on good relationships with local governments as they’re more available to the general public. The program also lets participants voice their opinions to influence their city.
“I believe local government is more accessible than any other level of government. Everyone has the ability to influence change and see the results of their efforts in a relatively short amount of time,” said Nil Blackburn, an assistant manager at the city of San Carlos.
Ultimately, the San Carlos Civics Academy continues to inform its community by fostering interest in politics within students and connecting the people with their local government to improve their city’s future.
“I believe it is every individual’s responsibility to know what’s happening in their town and to make an effort to connect with and improve their community,” Blackburn said.
