Lake County Independence Academy

As part of our Lake County America 250 celebration, a resident education program is being offered to teach how county government works – framed around the 250th anniversary themes of self-governance, civic responsibility and the American promise.

Lake County’s Independence Academy is designed to educate residents about Lake County operations and how local government connects to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Applicants must reside in Lake County, Illinois and be 18 years of age or older to apply. Each applicant must submit their own application.

Please complete the application below for an opportunity to join the Lake County Independence Academy.

Question Title

* 1. Name

Question Title

* 2. Address

Question Title

* 3. Contact Information

Phone Number

Email Address

Emergency Contact Name

Emergency Contact Phone Number

Question Title

* 4. Age Confirmation

I am 18 years of age or older.

Question Title

* 5. What in particular are you hoping to learn from the Lake County Independence Academy?

Purpose

The purpose of this academy is to educate residents of Lake County, Illinois, thus creating informed residents.

This program consists of approximately 14 hours of information over a 7-week period. Most classes are expected to be scheduled on Wednesday afternoons between 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to different locations in Lake County, as sessions meet at various government buildings and community sites throughout the program. Some locations are restricted, so additional security screenings or background checks are required. By applying, you agree to provide additional information if requested by Lake County.

Please notify Lake County if you require any accommodations to participate in the program. Participants are expected to attend every class session and excessive absences may impact eligibility to graduate from the Academy.

The program is limited to 25 participants. Participants will be chosen at random from all qualified candidates no later than April 15, 2026. Once the class is full, additional qualified applicants may be placed on a waitlist and contacted if a seat opens.

Question Title

* 6. Acknowledgment

I have read and I acknowledge the above statement and that any typed signatures below serve as electronic signatures.

Question Title

* 7. Signature

Typed Signature

Date

Waiver, Release and Consent for Disclosure

I have personally read and answered each applicable question above and do solemnly swear that each answer is complete and accurate in every respect.

I understand that my participation in the Lake County Independence Academy will be within the complete discretion of the County of Lake. There has been no implied or expressed guarantee that by submitting this application I will be accepted into this program.

I further understand that if accepted into the Lake County Independence Academy, I may be removed from the program at any time and for any reason by County of Lake officers, employees or agents.

I also understand that if accepted into the Lake County Independence Academy, I will not be considered an employee of County of Lake nor will I have any of the rights, benefits or privileges associated with such employment.

I further understand that if I am chosen to participate in the Lake County Independence Academy, such participation is voluntary and will be at my own risk.

I agree to assume full responsibility for my own safety and well-being at all times and under all circumstances while participating in the Lake County Independence Academy or in any activities organized by the County of Lake officers, employees or agents.

I further agree to release, waive and discharge the County of Lake, including its officers, employees and agents from any and all liability to myself, the undersigned, my heirs, dependents and assigns for any and all claims, demands, losses or damages that may arise from any injury, including permanent disability or death, or damage to property that results from or is alleged to have resulted from the undersigned’s participation in the Lake County Independence Academy.

I further agree that in consideration for being allowed to participate in the Lake County Independence Academy, officers, employees and representatives of the County of Lake will have my permission to photograph or videotape me and to use, reproduce and redistribute, without restriction, images of my likeness and my name in their publications, internet web sites, displays, news releases or on Lake County Television (LCTV). I further hereby unconditionally release and hold harmless the County of Lake, its officers, employees and agents from any and all causes of action that may result from the creation, production or distribution of any media materials containing images of my likeness, voice or name.

Question Title

* 8. Acknowledgment

I have read the above and understand that by signing this waiver, release and consent for disclosure, that I will be bound by its terms.

Question Title

* 9. Signature

Typed Signature

Date