About Us

We prepare immigrant community members to understand their rights, engage local systems, and lead meaningful civic change.

Our Mission

Empowering Communities for Change

Citizens Academy equips immigrants and communities of color with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to participate fully in civic life. Through accessible, culturally responsive education, we help individuals understand local systems, develop leadership skills, and take informed action in their communities.

Our work is rooted in the belief that strong, inclusive democracy depends on informed and engaged residents—especially those historically excluded from civic decision-making.

Who We Help

Immigrants and communities of color seeking the knowledge and confidence to participate in civic life.

Our Approach

Culturally responsive, practical civic education rooted in real community needs.

The Future

An America Where Immigrant Communities Thrive

We envision an America where immigrant communities are informed, engaged, and fully represented in civic life.In this future, community members understand how local government works, know how to participate in decision-making, and feel confident stepping into leadership roles.

Civic systems are more responsive because they include the voices of those most impacted and communities are stronger when everyone has a seat at the table.Citizen Academy works toward this future by equipping community members with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to engage, lead, and shape change in their cities and neighborhoods.

Civic Empowerment

Equipping community members to understand, engage, and lead locally.

Long-Term Impact

Developing leaders who create lasting change beyond the classroom.

Our Impact

Building Civic Power in Immigrant Communities

1,200+
Community Members Trained
25+
Civic Education Programs Delivered
10
Events

Citizen Academy builds civic knowledge and leadership within immigrant communities—turning education into participation and participation into lasting impact.

Our Ecosystem

This Work Is Collective — We Don’t Do It Alone

Our Values

The Values That Guide Our Work in the Community

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla.

Compassion

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare.

Integrity

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare.

Sustainability

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare.

Collaboration

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare.

Empowerment

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare.

Inclusivity

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare.

Our Team

Meet the Dedicated People Behind the Mission

No items found.
Testimonials

Real Voices. Real Impact. Real Change.

“Before Citizen Academy, civic engagement felt confusing and distant. The trainings broke everything down in a way I could actually understand—especially because it was offered in Somali. I left knowing how local government works and how my voice matters.”
Amina H.
Minneapolis, MN
“What stood out to me most was the language access. Learning about civic rights and participation in Somali changed everything. Citizen Academy didn’t just teach theory—they showed us how to show up, speak up, and engage confidently.”
Abidrahman M.
St. Paul, MN
“I had always wanted to be involved in my community but didn’t know where to start. Citizen Academy gave me clear, practical training in a language I’m comfortable with. It made civic participation feel possible, not intimidating.”
Hodan A.
Bloomngton, MN
Busy cafe scene with people seated at tables, chatting and using phones. Bright lighting, modern decor. Warm, lively atmosphere.
“The training helped me understand how decisions are made locally and how immigrants can participate legally and safely. Having the sessions in Somali made a huge difference it felt like the program was truly built for our community.”
Mohamed A.
Burnsville, MN

Together, we can create change

Learn how Citizens Academy equips community members with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to engage in civic life and create lasting impact.

Donate

Make a Donation to Our Cause

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis.

Replace with donation embed