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 $500 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? 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. Fill out the brief form, and you are on our list!
Q: Does clicking that button mean I'm enrolled?
Not yet. Once you fill out the form at the link, you are enrolled.
Q: What happens after I join the list?
You are in our email database and will get all of the news on O'Connor Institute Ambassadors.
Q: How will I know when I'm officially enrolled?
Once you complete the form at the link, we'll add your information to our system, and you will receive the next email from our Ambassador team.
Q: I'm a parent/guardian — what do I need to do?
Encourage your student! The enrollment form includes a field for your email; we'd love to keep you up to date on all meetings and programs, too.
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.