High Schoolers: Your Voice. Your Ideas. Your Future.
Free | Online | Grades 9-12 | Scholarships up to $5,000
Ambassadors Get To:
- Compete for $5,000 scholarships as a Senior
- Score a graduation cord your senior year
- Boost your college apps with something that actually stands out
- Connect with high schoolers nationwide
- Grow your confidence and civic smarts
- Earn $500 community service awards
- Access a members‑only club space in our app
No debate experience required — just curiosity and your voice!
Think You Are Too Young To Get Involved? Watch This!
“This organization is a good opportunity for students to see both sides of the political equation and how multiple viewpoints are needed to run the government successfully.” - Luke, Texas
"And I think that there needs to be this kind of push to actually make actionable change and not just complain about it." - Ramona, Arizona
"We have had some civics education, but there's no room for discourse." - Kelly, North Carolina
What to Expect
Each month, from September through May:
- Ambassadors meet online for 45 minutes via Zoom
- You discuss a real-world issue related to this year's theme, Headlines to History
- The meetings are generally on Thursdays at 4 PM PT or 7 PM ET.
Don't worry, you will get plenty of reminders via email and the app!
A Dedicated Space Just For Members on the Civics for Life Community App
Meetings go by quickly, and we know our Ambassadors have a lot to say, so outside of meetings, O'Connor Institute Ambassadors have access to a free, private, invite-only space on the app where they can continue the conversations, find additional resources, and more.
For Parents & Educators
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.
How to Join O'Connor Institute Ambassadors
Step 1
Fill out the sign-up form (about 3–5 minutes).
Step 2
Watch for a welcome email with the next meeting date and RSVP instructions.
Step 3
Join your first monthly Zoom meeting!
Are you a community volunteer? You could earn $500!
Apply By Oct. 31, 2026!
Scholarship Information Just for Ambassadors
John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship
$5,000 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.
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.