“It is the citizens of our nation who must preserve our system of government and we cannot forget that.”

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Our Mission

To continue the distinguished legacy and lifetime work of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor to advance American democracy through multigenerational civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement.

In The Spotlight

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Boost your civics Knowledge

Whether you never had civics in school or simply want to brush up, Civics 101 is here for you!

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Civics for Life

Civics for Life is our multigenerational online resource center for civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement. Our free, online lifelong learning platform fills the civics knowledge gap for countless Americans. 

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Issues & Answers

Learn about public policy issues affecting you from experts engaging in balanced and fact-based debates.

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U.S. Constitution Teachers Workshop

Held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and sponsored by the O'Connor Institute, the workshop is open to social studies educators.

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$5,000 Scholarship Opportunity

Learn more about the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Online Civics & Debate Club and how you can become eligible for the John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship.

About The Institute

Founded in 2009 by retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the O’Connor Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3), continues her distinguished legacy and lifetime work to advance American democracy through multigenerational civil discourse, civic engagement, and civics education. The Institute's programs serve individuals of all ages from 50 states and six continents through educational digital platforms and events, as well as original research. Additionally, the Institute is the conservator of her former home, O'Connor House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

O’Connor Digital Library

Justice O’Connor’s extensive body of work, including legal opinions, legislative career, interviews, and more, is accessible in a searchable format for students, scholars, and the general public.

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