A dramatic illustration of George Washington riding a horse through water, with bold text reading "Calling All High School Ambassadors!" and "Join Now! O’Connor Institute Ambassadors" against a stormy sky background.

O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Online Civics & Debate Club

👉 Apply Today!

Calling all high-school-age students!

Are you a high school student who wants to connect with other ambitious students across the country, sharpen your leadership skills, stand out on college applications, and compete for $5,000 scholarship opportunities?

Join a one-of-a-kind, online Civics & Debate Club—totally free!

You’ll become part of a powerful network of future changemakers, grow your civics knowledge, and build your confidence.

Colorful illustration of a man in graduation cap and gown holding a diploma, with text "$30,000 in scholarships available!" and "Join now!" plus a gold O'Connor Institute Ambassadors seal.

As an Ambassador, You Will:

  • Discuss and learn about today’s most relevant civic issues with students nationwide
  • Strengthen your knowledge of government, law, and civil discourse
  • Connect with other motivated students from across the country
  • Stand out on college applications by demonstrating civic engagement and leadership
  • Earn community service hours and participate in local volunteer opportunities
  • Receive a graduation cord as a senior who completes the program
  • Join a national network of curious, driven high school leaders
  • Build confidence in public speaking, discussion, and critical thinking
  • Seniors: compete for $5,000 scholarship opportunities

No debate experience required — just curiosity and a willingness to participate!

Three ambassadors in 18th-century attire joyfully toss graduation caps in the air against a vibrant, colorful background. One wears round sunglasses, while the others look proudly ahead.

Ready to Get Involved?

National $5,000 Scholarship | Enroll Now
$5,000 Scholarships For Arizona Students | Learn More!

Details

The O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club is a free, online program for 9th through 12th-grade students presented by the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute. The O'Connor Institute Ambassadors promotes the Institute's three pillars: civil discourse, civics education, and civic engagement.

Apply

  1. High School Students Register here
  2. Participate in monthly online club meetings during the school year
  3. Volunteer in your community
A black background with white text inside a square frame. The text reads "JAY FETZER" in a grid format, with each letter occupying a space within the frame.
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John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship

For High School Seniors

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 borne out by the volunteer work he did at the food bank, homeless shelter and tutoring for underserved and at risk youth. The scholarship is bestowed to exemplary members of our high school program, the O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club who personify the core values of the Institute.

Meet Our Scholarship Winners
Scholarship Overview & Requirements

Founded by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor following her retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Institute continues her distinguished legacy and lifetime work to advance American Democracy through multigenerational civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement.