Your Turn, High Schoolers. Let's Go!
Hear Different Perspectives | Join The Debate | Discuss “Real World” Issues
Ambassadors Get To:
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Meet online September–May — no travel, just show up
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Connect with high schoolers nationwide
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Boost your college apps with something that actually stands out
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Compete for $5,000 scholarships as a Senior
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Grow your confidence and civic smarts
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Earn community service awards
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Access a members‑only club space in our app
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Score a graduation cord your senior year
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
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.
Overview
Each month, September through May, students meet online via Zoom to discuss civics-related topics as they apply to "real-world" issues. They have an opportunity to share their viewpoints and learn from peers across the country.
Outside of the meetings, O'Connor Institute Ambassadors have access to a private, free app where they can continue the conversations, find additional resources, and more.
Through the O'Connor Institute Ambassadors, high school students have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our government, history, and our roles as citizens of the United States.
Are you a community volunteer? You could earn $500!
Apply By Oct. 16, 2026!
O’Connor Institute Ambassador FAQs
Thinking about becoming an O'Connor Institute Ambassador? Getting started is easy, but because our Ambassadors are high school students, we've built in a few simple steps to keep both students and parents informed along the way. Here's everything you need to know about the process, from expressing interest to officially joining the program.
Q: How do I get started?
Click the "I’m Interested!" button. This is just the first step — it lets us know you're interested and want to learn more. It doesn't enroll you automatically.
Q: Does clicking that button mean I'm enrolled?
Not yet. Joining the interest list starts the process, but there are two more steps before enrollment is final.
Q: What happens after I join the interest list?
We'll email your parent or guardian directly to confirm they're okay with you moving forward in the program.
Q: Why do you need to contact my parent/guardian?
Because you're a high school student, we require permission from a parent or guardian before finalizing enrollment. This keeps everyone informed and involved in the decision.
Q: What if my parent/guardian doesn't respond?
Enrollment can't be finalized until we receive their confirmation. If you're waiting on a response, feel free to remind them to check their email (and their spam folder!).
Q: How will I know when I'm officially enrolled?
Once we confirm permission with your parent or guardian, we'll finalize your enrollment as an Ambassador applicant and let you know you're all set.
Q: I'm a parent/guardian — what do I need to do?
Watch for an email from us confirming your student's interest in the Ambassador Program. We'll ask you to confirm you're comfortable with them proceeding. No action is needed until you receive that email.
Q: Who can I contact with questions?
oa@oconnorinstitute.org
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.