The Citizens Academy seeks to increase the number of local leaders that are making a positive impact on the development of their communities.

"We created the citizens academy to help prepare citizens in each community to accept leadership roles and have a positive impact on their own city or town," said Annetta Franks, Chair of the Citizens Academy.

"The training is unmatched and the results have been outstanding. Graduates of the Citizen's Academy continue to work together for the betterment of the areas they represent.

Congratulations to the class of 07-08 for your commitment and dedication to bring your community and Oklahoma into a new century of success." During the six sessions, the participants learned the basics of community and economic development, while developing team building skills that can be replicated in their local communities.

Their final requirement for graduation was fulfilled at the April 24 session when they presented proposals to recruit new business opportunities to their area.

Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins, was the keynote speaker for graduation.

Executive Director of the Community Institute, Dana Shadid, says the board of directors has been extremely pleased with the response from the participants in this year's class.

"The steering committee for the Citizens Academy devotes many hours to refining and enhancing the curriculum to ensure that each class has the most beneficial experience possible. Their success has been reflected in the projects that have already been implemented by prior graduates," commented Shadid.

"With the graduation of Class V, there will be more than 100 individuals in communities all across the state of Oklahoma that will be translating their learning experience into action."

The Oklahoma Citizens Academy is sponsored by the Oklahoma Community Institute.

A major contributor to the program is Oklahoma Natural Gas. In addition, the financial support from the Community Institute's other corporate partner —— OG&E —— has helped make this program a reality.

Applications for Class VI of the Oklahoma Citizens Academy are available at www.ocionline.org. For more information, contact the office of the Oklahoma Community Institute at 405-208-8882.