St. Johns County Celebrates Largest-Ever SJC 101 Citizens Academy Graduating Class
Class featured 29 graduates from across the County
At the December 2, 2026, Board of County Commissioners regular meeting, St. Johns County proudly recognized the graduates of the Fall 2025 SJC 101 Citizens Academy – the largest graduating class to date, with 29 participants completing the 12-week program. This milestone reflects the County’s continued commitment to civic engagement, transparency, and strong community partnerships. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the graduating class.
The Fall 2025 cohort brought together residents and community stakeholders for immersive, behind-the-scenes sessions highlighting how County government operates. Since launching earlier this year, SJC 101 has now featured participation from representatives of County constitutional offices, the City of St. Augustine, and the St. Johns County Parks Foundation, demonstrating broad community interest in learning how local government functions.
Building on the success of the inaugural Spring 2025 class, the Fall 2025 cohort explored nearly every aspect of County services, including governance, public safety, utilities, public works, economic development, parks and recreation, environmental conservation, emergency management, and human services. Each session included presentations, facility tours, equipment displays, and conversations with the County professionals responsible for delivering essential services across St. Johns County.
Participants consistently described SJC 101 as an eye-opening experience that revealed the scale, complexity, and coordination required to keep the County running. Many noted that the program helped dispel common misconceptions, provided clarity on where to find key resources, and strengthened their appreciation for the employees who work diligently behind the scenes on behalf of residents.
“Through SJC 101, we are building trust, strengthening relationships, and empowering residents to become active partners in their government,” said Joy Andrews, County Administrator. “This program supports the pillars of Community Trust and Organizational Excellence in our Strategic Plan by giving participants a real, behind-the-scenes look at the size and scope of County operations. It offers transparency and access that help citizens understand the thousands of ways their government works for them every day.”
As the program continues to grow, the County encourages graduates to stay engaged through volunteer opportunities, advisory boards, future outreach initiatives, and by helping share accurate information with their communities. In the coming months, St. Johns County will launch the SJC 101 Alumni Alliance to support continued connectivity with graduates.
For more information and to register for the SJC 101 program, visit the SJC 101 web page.
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