Waxahachie Citizens Academy graduation celebrated
Graduates of the Waxahachie Citizens Academy class of 2025 were recently recognized by the Waxahachie City Council for their completion of the six-month program. The city’s academy program is one of several in the area that allows residents to gain an up-close and insider’s look at how governmental entities operate.
The Waxahachie Citizens Academy is hosted each year by the city’s communications department to provide a way for residents to learn about local government. Applications for the next class, the 2026 program, will open up in August, with 25 spots available. To be eligible, applicants must be age 18 or older and live or work in Waxahachie. The program is free of charge to those selected for participation.
Regular attendance is required, with participants allowed to miss no more than two sessions to receive a certificate of graduation. During the most recent academy, participants met twice a month, from 8:30-10 a.m. Thursdays from September-February. (There was one meeting held in the months of December and February).
During the academy, participants learned about various aspects of city government, with activities ranging from hearing from department officials to visiting different departments and touring facilities such as the police department, senior activity center, and the Sokoll Water Treatment Plant.
“It has been a learning experience that included building bonds and exchanging ideas,” the city wrote on its official Facebook page. “We appreciate the energy and effort of all city departments who participated in making this a successful program.”
The city of Waxahachie started the program, which was first known as Waxahachie 101, in 2009. The 2025 program reflected several updates and adjustments, including shortening the duration from the previous nine months to the current six.
Keep an eye on the city’s website for the next academy’s application process to open up. Those with questions about the program or application process should email comms@waxahachie.com.
Other resident-oriented academies
Interested in learning more about government in other areas? Visit the following links for more information, including their respective application processes, eligibility, and program content:
• Ellis County Citizen Prosecutor Academy – a free program presented by the Ellis County and District Attorney’s Office that provides a look at the justice system.
• Midlothian Citizens Police Academy – a free program that provides information about police work in general as well as insights into the Midlothian Police Department.
• WISD 101 – a free program presented by Waxahachie ISD that covers all aspects of public education and the district. Information on the next cohort’s application process will be posted on the Public Relations Department’s webpage or the district’s official Facebook page.
Written by Jo Ann Livingston/ITKE.
