What is CityU?
CityU is an educational opportunity for local citizens to learn how the City of Florence functions as a municipality.
This seven-week course is a general government class designed to give participants a unique learning experience and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations in the City of Florence.
Our Mission:
The mission of CityU is to provide Florence citizens the opportunity to expand their knowledge of city operations so that they can access services necessary to maintain and improve their quality of life. This course will allow participants to learn the roles and relationships between City Council, its boards & commissions, City administration and City staff. They will also receive an overview of the budget planning process, development review process and various other responsibilities of City government.
Each session will provide an interactive learning experience and will have appearances by department directors. At the end of the seven weeks, students will have the opportunity to attend a City Council Meeting and receive an official CityU Graduation Certificate.
Who Qualifies?
Residents and citizens who live and/or work within the city limits of Florence are given first priority! County residents will be accepted upon availability.
This course is limited to 25 participants and will be selected on a first come/first serve basis. Please see course details below. If you have any questions, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (843) 665-3113.
Benefits:
Receive insight from the source about your local city government with presentations from various city departments.
Meet other citizens and connect with the people in your community to build lasting relationships.
Develop your interest in local government by serving on a volunteer board, commission or committee for the City of Florence.
City University will return in the Spring as we launch our new program, Youth City University, this fall.
Youth City University
Youth CityU is an educational opportunity for local high school students to learn how the City of Florence functions as a municipality. 
This seven-week program gives students an inside look at local government through fun, interactive sessions with various city departments. Learn directly from city leaders, explore behind-the-scenes operations, and see how your local government works day-to-day.
Who Qualifies?
Local high school students who live and/or attend school within the city limits of Florence are given first priority! County residents will be accepted upon availability.
This course is limited to 25 participants and will be selected on a first come/first serve basis. If you have any questions, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (843) 665-3113.
Benefits:
Tour facilities and explore spaces not usually open to the public. See the day-to-day operations that keep the city running smoothly.
Discover career paths in local government and public service you might not have considered.
Engage with department directors, city staff, and elected officials. Ask questions, hear real stories, and get insights into leadership, decision-making, and community impact.
Stand out with meaningful extracurricular experience that shows civic involvement, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
Meet other motivated students from across the community and build lasting relationships while having fun.