Fishers youth can learn about local government with Citizen Academies

Rendering provided by City of Fishers

City programs include new Fishers Health Department Academy, Police Academy & Mayor’s Youth Academy

Fishers youth are invited to explore the inner workings of local government through the city’s annual Mayor’s Youth Academy, the Fishers Police Department Teen Academy, and the new Fishers Health Department Teen Academy. Registration is currently open for all programs and participation is free.

Fadness

“These programs help to foster the next generation of community leaders,” Mayor Scott Fadness said. “Not only are they getting a behind-the-scenes look at city operations and an opportunity to engage with civic leaders, but we also receive great insights from the teens participating in this program, and their ideas and suggestions have helped to shape our policies and initiatives at the city.”

Mayor’s Youth Academy

The free Mayor’s Youth Academy program invites local high school students to work alongside Mayor Fadness and other city leaders to address important issues facing the local community. Students will go behind the scenes of city government, address thought-provoking policy questions, and explore career opportunities within the public sector.

Classes meet on Wednesdays once per month from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at various locations around Fishers. Mayor’s Youth Academy participants will conclude the program by presenting to Fishers City Council in spring 2024.

Registration for the 2023-2024 Mayor’s Youth Academy is open through Friday, June 2. Applicants must be a Fishers resident and a junior or senior in high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with a passion for public service are encouraged to apply. Register at fishers.in.us/MayorsYouthAcademy.

Fishers Health Department Teen Public Health Academy 

The new, one-week health academy provides an interactive experience for high school students to explore a variety of public health disciplines and how the Fishers Health Department works to protect and promote the health and well-being of residents.

Students will engage with department leadership, public health nurses, environmental health inspectors, communicable disease investigators, public health clinical staff, City of Fishers officials, and community partners to learn the science of public health and engage in interactive public health protection activities including retail food inspections, water sampling, vector [pest] control, and more.

Registration for the 2023-2024 Fishers Health Department Teen Academy is open through Sunday, April 30. Applicants must be Fishers residents and incoming freshmen through seniors in high school. Register here.

Fishers Police Department Teen Academy

The Fishers Police Department Teen Academy provides law enforcement-type training for teens to better understand how law enforcement works and strengthen the relationship between Fishers Police Department officers and the community.

The program provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of officers, as well as insight into specialized units and skills, including the K-9 Unit, the Fishers Dive Team, Crime Scene Investigation and Patrol.

The four-day program will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 5 through Thursday, June 8 at Riverside Intermediate School, 11014 Eller Road, Fishers. Applications are open through Monday, April 24 to incoming eighth graders through seniors attending Fishers schools. Students must also pass a background check. Register here.

To learn more and to apply for programs, visit ThisIsFishers.com/CitizenAcademies.