Orange County is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Government Academy, a comprehensive program designed to educate residents about the inner workings of Orange County government. The program begins Tuesday, March 4, and concludes with a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 3, at the Whitted Human Services Building in Hillsborough.
The 2025 Government Academy offers an eight-session curriculum held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sessions include in-person tours of key county facilities. Participants may miss up to three classes and still graduate. The course is open to all county residents aged 16 and older.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Academy:
- Interactive Learning: Faculty from the UNC School of Government will provide an overview of county government, while Orange County staff will present insights into their departments.
- Exclusive Tours: Participants will explore facilities such as the 911 Call Center, Animal Services, and the newly opened Drakeford Library Complex.
- Graduation Ceremony: The cohort will graduate in person on June 3, followed by recognition at the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting.
Schedule Overview:
The academy covers a wide range of topics, including presentations from 19 county departments:
- March 4: Orientation and “County Government 101” presentation.
- March 11: Tours of the Animal Services facility and Solid Waste Department.
- March 25: Presentations from Aging, Child Support Services, and the Tax Department.
- April 8: Tour of the Drakeford Library Complex and presentations from Economic Development and Housing.
- April 22 (Virtual): Insights from Health, Sustainability, Planning, and Criminal Justice Resource Departments.
- April 29: Tour of Eno Arts Mill and discussions with the Arts Commission, Social Services, and Board of Elections.
- May 13: Behind-the-scenes at the 911 Call Center and presentations from Emergency Services, Equity & Inclusion, and Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation.
- June 3: Graduation and BOCC meeting recognition.
Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, Jamezetta Bedford, a 2018 academy graduate, shared, “The Orange County Government Academy provided me with invaluable knowledge about local government operations and inspired me to get involved in shaping my community.”
About Orange County Government Academy
The Government Academy is a dynamic program that fosters community engagement and understanding of county government operations. Participants gain firsthand insights into 19 departments, engage with county staff, and explore how they can contribute to their community’s growth and well-being.
Apply Today
Applications are open until February 20, 2025. To join the 2025 cohort, fill out the application at this link. For questions, contact Kristin Prelipp at 919-245-2322 or kprelipp@orangecountync.gov.
Link to apply: https://orangecountync.gov/FormCenter/Community-Relations-7/2025-County-Government-Academy-Applicati-48
Learn more about the Government Academy: https://orangecountync.gov/494/County-Government-Academy