One-of-a-kind programs, scholarships, and cash prize opportunities!
We are excited to inspire the next generation of informed, engaged citizens through the O’Connor Institute's youth programs. Designed for middle and high school students, our hands-on civics education opportunities help students build knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills while exploring how our government works and how they can participate in it.
Learn more about the programs, how you can participate, and more below!
Connect With Peers Across the Country!
The Sandra Day O'Connor Ambassadors Online Civics & Debate Club is a free, extracurricular opportunity for high school students in 9th through 12th grade.
Are you a high school student who wants to stand out on college applications, sharpen your leadership and debate skills, and connect with other ambitious students across the country?
Join a one-of-a-kind, totally free, online Civics & Debate Club.
$5,000 Scholarship Opportunities
A special opportunity for High School Seniors participating in the O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club.
The John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship Fund benefits high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civil debate skills, and civics knowledge. Established in memory of our late Institute colleague, Jay was passionate about equal justice and equal opportunity for all. His compassion for others was evident in his volunteer work at the food bank and homeless shelter, and in tutoring underserved and at-risk youth.
Earn A $500 Award With Civics!
The Civics Challenge is for middle and high school students in 6th-12th grades.
Are you a budding cinematographer or songwriter? The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute is proud to invite middle and high school students to use their creativity in the annual Civics Challenge. Students can earn $500 and help their peers learn more about civics through videos and original songs!
A Unique Camp Opportunity
Camp O'Connor USA is for 7th and 8th-grade students.
Are you in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade? This week-long, free, merit-based summer program might be for you! You will have to explore firsthand how our government works while gaining an understanding of our nation's branches of government and the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.
