The Lancaster County Civics 101 Course is an educational initiative to inform residents about the various departments and functions of Lancaster County government. This citizens academy provides an engaging and interactive program that spans 10 weeks, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of local government processes.

The course is designed to:

1. Educate Citizens: Residents will learn about the roles and responsibilities of different county departments and how they contribute to making Lancaster County a great place to live, work, worship, and play.
2. Provide Hands-on Experience: Through informative sessions hosted by County Administration, County Council, and Department Directors, participants will gain firsthand experience of the inner workings of the county government.
3. Engage Community Members: The program aims to foster a sense of civic engagement and responsibility among Lancaster County citizens by involving them directly in the governance process.

Overall, the Civics 101 Course serves as a valuable resource for residents to better understand and participate in their local government.

Throughout the Lancaster County Civics 101 Course, participants will gain a deeper understanding of their county government and its impact on the community. This comprehensive program includes:

1. Government Structure: An overview of the organizational structure of Lancaster County government, including key departments and their functions.
2. Operational Insights: Detailed explanations of how various county departments operate and the services they provide to residents.
3. Impact on Community: Insights into how county government decisions and operations affect the daily live of Lancaster County citizens.
4. Engagement Opportunities: Information on how residents can get involved and have a voice in county government processes.
5. Interactive Sessions: Hands-on experiences and interactive sessions that provide a practical understanding of county government operations.

By the end of the program, participants will have a thorough knowledge of Lancaster County's governmental processes and their significance to the community. 

To be selected, you must live in Lancaster County and be willing to commit the time to the ten-week civics course. Applicants will be selected based on backgrounds and full representation of Lancaster County.

There is no cost to Lancaster County citizens who attend the sessions.

If you are interested in applying, please complete and submit this application no later than July 24, 2024.

Applicants will be notified by August 2, 2024, of their application status.

Please complete this application fully if you would like to be considered. Incomplete applications may not be considered. 

Lancaster County Civics 101 begins on August 13, 2024, and concludes on October 15, 2024, with a graduation and dinner with the County Council.

Lancaster County Civics 101 comprises ten (10) sessions occurring once a week, for ten consecutive weeks, on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:00 PM and concluding around 8:00 pm.  Session Topics and dates are as follows:

8/13/2024 – Session 1: Intro to Lancaster County Government
Location: Lancaster County Administration Building, 101 N. Main St., Lancaster, SC
Topics: Form of Government; County Budget; County Council; Voter Registration

8/20/2024 – Session 2: “Law & Order” 
Location: Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, 1520 Pageland Highway, Lancaster, SC
Topics: Law Enforcement; Detention Center; Magistrate Court 

8/27/2024 – Session 3: “Who Are You Going to Call?”
Location: Emergency Operations Center, 111 Covenant Place, Lancaster, SC
Topics: Fire Service; Emergency Management; 911 Operations

9/3/2024 – Session 4: "Quality of Life"
Location: Indian Land Recreation Center, 8286 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land, SC
Topics: Parks & Recreation; Veterans Affairs; Economic Development, Library

9/10/2024 – Session 5: “Taxation & Representation”
Location: Lancaster County Administration Building, 101 N. Main St., Lancaster, SC
Topics: Register of Deeds; Assessor; Auditor; Treasurer; Delinquent Tax

9/17/2024 – Session 7: “Wings & Wheels”
Location: 5:30 pm – Lancaster County Airport, 286 Aviation Blvd, Lancaster, SC
Topics: Airport Tour; Roads & Bridges; Solid Waste; Recycling; Fleet Operations

9/24/2024 – Session 6: "From the Ground Up"
Location: Lancaster County Library, 313 S. White Street, Lancaster, SC
Topics: Planning; Building; Zoning; Stormwater

10/1/2024 – Session 8: “Judiciary Square”
Location: Lancaster County Courthouse, 104 N. Main Street, Lancaster, SC
Topics: Clerk of Court; Solicitor; Public Defender

10/8/2024 – Session 8: “Circle of Life”
Location: Lancaster County EMS, 3758 Charlotte Hwy, Lancaster, SC
Topics: EMS: Coroner; Probate

10/15/2024 – Session 10: Graduation & Dinner with County Council
Location: Lancaster County Historic Courthouse, 100 N. Main St, Lancaster, SC

If selected, I will devote the time necessary to meet graduation requirements. Barring a true emergency, I commit to attending all ten (10) Sessions. I will continue to participate in County government to the best of my ability and act as an ambassador by sharing my knowledge with other Lancaster County residents.

For more information please email marketing@lancastersc.net