Morgantown Citizens Academy

Citizens Academy Logo Design No City LogoMorgantown Citizens Academy
Take a behind-the-scenes look at how your city works. Through hands-on learning and guided tours with city leaders, you’ll see what it takes to keep Morgantown running smoothly and how you can play a role in shaping its future. Your involvement is the foundation of a strong, thriving community, and this program is designed to help you make a lasting impact.

The next session of  Morgantown Citizens Academy is slated to began April 23, 2026 and will conclude July 7, 2026.

  • Application Portal Opens: Monday, February 2, 2026
  • Application Portal Closes: End of Day Thursday, March 19, 2026
  • Internal Application Review: March 23 – March 31, 2026
  • Candidate Notification Deadline: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
  • Candidate Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: Monday, April 13, 2026
  • Orientation Night: Thursday, April 23, 2026 (6:00–8:30 PM)

What is the Citizens Academy?

The Morgantown Citizens Academy (MCA) program began in Spring 2022, took a brief hiatus in 2023, and returned in 2024 with a renewed focus: less talking, more doing. Morgantown Citizens Academy is a free, ten-week course open to the public that provides a behind-the-scenes look at how city government works. The program is designed to help residents better understand city operations, connect directly with local leaders, and learn how to effectively engage with their government. By the end of the academy, participants gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a meaningful impact in their neighborhoods.

Sessions are held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at various locations throughout the city. Each week features hands-on activities and interactive discussions led by city staff and community partners, highlighting a different department or service area. Participants are encouraged to meet before or after sessions for networking and community-building opportunities. They are also invited to join an optional downtown walking tour hosted by the Morgantown City Ambassadors, typically held on a Saturday, providing an up-close look at the city’s public spaces, landmarks, and ongoing projects.

Light snacks are provided at each class. At the conclusion of the program, participants celebrate their accomplishments at a graduation ceremony, where graduates are recognized during a live City Council meeting. During this ceremony, participants also deliver a group presentation to City Council, sharing key takeaways and insights from their experience in the program.

Enrollment is limited to 20–22 participants, ages 18 and older. City of Morgantown residents receive first priority, but all Monongalia County residents are welcome to apply. 

Program at a Glance:

  • Duration: 10 content weeks (Orientation+ Graduation +Optional Activities)

  • Schedule: Thursdays, 6:00–8:30 p.m. (with one class on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, due to the holiday weekend)

  • Location: Various city facilities

  • Cost: Free

  • Eligibility: Ages 18+, Monongalia County residents

  • Class Size: 20-22 participants

  • Application Opens: February 2, 2026

  • Contact: SpecialProjects@morgantownwv.gov | 304-284-7405

Tentative 2026 course schedule include:

  • Orientation Night
    • Class Etiquette
    • Program Overview
    • Communications Dept.
  • How it All Works
    • City Clerks Office
    • Human Resources Dept.
    • City Managers Office
      • City Grant Writer
  • Where Does My Money Go?
    • Engineering & Public Works Dept.
    • Finance Dept.
    • Urban Landscapes Dept.
  • Our Public Safety (2 sessions)
    • Morgantown Police Dept.
    • Morgantown Fire Dept.
  • Morgantown: A City Built on Arts & History
    • Arts & Cultural Development Dept.
    • BOPARC
    • Morgantown Municipal Library
  • Transportation & Environment (2 sessions)
    • Morgantown Municipal Airport
    • Morgantown Parking Authority
    • Morgantown Utility Board
  • How Do We Manage Growth?
    • Code Enforcement Dept.
    • Development Services Dept.
      • City Ambassadors
  • It Takes a Village
    • Morgantown Area Partnership/ Main Street Morgantown
    • Visit Mountaineer Country CVB
  • Downtown Walking Tour (Optional)
    • Socializing Opportunity/ Family Friendly
    • Morgantown City Ambassadors
  • Mock City Council Night
    • City Council Overview
    • How a Meeting is Run
    • Prep for Graduation
  • Graduation Night
    • Socializing Opportunity/ Family Friendly
    • Presentation to City Council 
    • Receive Graduation Certificate

WVU Student Participation
Two seats are reserved for WVU students through the Center for Community Engagement. Interested students may contact Whitney Glotfelty at whitney.glotfelty@mail.wvu.edu for additional details.

Once candidates have been selected, they will be provided with a more in-depth schedule and outline of the upcoming classes. Any candidates not selected will need to reapply for future sessions. Participants are to attend all ten sessions, but we understand that emergencies do happen. Any participant who misses more than three sessions may be disqualified. 

How Can I Participate?

The application period for the 2026 Morgantown Citizens Academy will open Monday, February 2, 2026. 

Please keep an eye on the City of Morgantown social media pages for updates. 

Apply online: Citizens Academy Application Form

For questions, or if you require accessibility accommodations to participate, please contact SpecialProjects@morgantownwv.gov or call 304-284-7405.

Graduation from the Morgantown Citizens Academy isn’t the end. it’s just the beginning of staying engaged in the community! After completing the program, participants will have the opportunity to organize and take part in the City’s Adopt-a-Street program, working under the guidance of the Community Development Services Coordinator, Caitlyn Lewis to help keep Morgantown clean and vibrant.

The GroupMe app used for communication during the academy will remain active, allowing graduates to stay connected, share updates, and coordinate future community initiatives. This ongoing network ensures that alumni can continue collaborating, learning, and making a positive impact in Morgantown.

IMG_6877

“I’ve lived in Morgantown for over 50 years, but I realized there was so much I didn’t know about how our city operates. This program opened my eyes and gave me the tools to get more involved.”
— Nancy Wasson, Class of 2024

“This program completely changed how I see our local government. I feel much more connected and informed.”

— Stephanie Hunt, Class of 2025

“Citizens Academy gave me a real behind-the-scenes look at city government, hearing from 32 speakers across 17 departments. I came away with a deeper sense of pride, responsibility, and appreciation for Morgantown and the cities staff!”

— Matt Bolling, Class of 2025