A free seven-month leadership program offering a behind-the-scenes look at County government
Hillsborough County Backstage Pass is a free seven-month program with 12 interactive sessions that offer a behind-the-scenes look at County government.
Your Backstage Pass includes tours at County facilities and presentations by County leaders to give in-depth insight into government services, operations, and interactions between departments.
Passholders will get an inside view of County government that they can share with their neighbors, friends, and family.
Backstage Pass is expected to resume with a 2024/2025 class.
Eligibility
All participants must be at least 21 years old at the time of application and must meet at least one of three criteria:
- Be a resident of Hillsborough County
- Be employed full time in Hillsborough County
- Own a business in Hillsborough County
Participant requirements
- Participants must attend one orientation session and at least nine of the 12 program sessions or they will be dropped from the program
- Missing any portion of a session is considered a full absence
- Program sessions are drug and alcohol free
- Business casual attire is expected unless otherwise specified
- While networking is encouraged, participants can't use the program to conduct business or political activities
Application process
- To apply, complete and submit the application
- You must complete and submit the form in one browser session, so have required information in advance, including the following:
- your County Commission district number
- a list of any Hillsborough County Boards and Committees (if applicable) you’ve served with dates of service and positions held
- a list of past and current memberships in any other organizations including your dates of service and positions held
- Applications are accepted year-round
- We will send every applicant an email to acknowledge whether or not they are eligible
- If you are eligible, we will send you an email with instructions to register for a mandatory orientation session, where you will receive full program details and dates, and confirm whether you will participate
- If you are eligible but must opt out for the current/upcoming class, or you can't attend a mandatory orientation, and/or the class is already full or has begun, we will place you on a waiting list for a future class year
Get help
Department:
Email: neighborhood-relations@hcfl.gov
Phone: (813) 272-5860