As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a year defined by growth, innovation, and a deepened commitment to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s belief in the power of civics education and civil discourse. Those who follow the Institute know our mission well—and this year demonstrated just how far that mission can reach when supported by an engaged community of learners, educators, and citizens.
From expanding our national presence to empowering students, teachers, and lifelong learners, the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute has made meaningful strides toward strengthening American civic life. Here’s a look at what your involvement helped make possible.
Expanding Our National Reach
This year marked a milestone with the opening of our Washington, D.C., satellite office, complementing our Phoenix headquarters and giving the Institute a stronger foothold in the nation’s civic and policy landscape. This expansion enables us to collaborate more deeply with national partners, engage with policymakers, and better share Justice O’Connor’s legacy at the heart of American democracy.
One of the first initiatives to emerge from this new presence is our Washington, D.C., Fellowship Program for third-year law students at the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Each semester, a selected fellow contributes directly to the Institute’s public policy initiatives—gaining invaluable experience while helping advance impartial civic education on a national stage.
Strengthening Civics Education for Teachers
In June, we welcomed a cohort of middle and high school civics teachers to Philadelphia for our inaugural Constitutional Educator Intensive, a weeklong program led by leading constitutional scholars. Selected from schools across the country, these educators returned home with a deeper understanding of the Constitution, classroom-ready strategies, and renewed energy to instill civic knowledge in their students. Their enthusiasm—and their impact—continues to ripple outward.
Research That Catalyzes Change
Our newest public policy report, Why Are Teachers Uncomfortable Teaching Civics?, sparked national discussion and concrete action. Drawing from direct input from K–12 educators, the report highlights key barriers—including limited training, fear of controversy, and insufficient instructional guidance. Its findings are already shaping policy conversations, influencing curriculum development, and guiding our programmatic investments for educators and students alike.
Empowering the Next Generation of Citizens
2025 was another transformative year for youth programs at the Institute:
- Camp O’Connor USA welcomed middle school students from more than 30 states—many from Title I schools—to a week of immersive civic learning, debate, and leadership development.
- The Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club continued to offer high school students a space to build confidence, strengthen civil discourse skills, and explore pathways to civic leadership.
- The John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship honored an outstanding Ambassador whose contributions exemplify civic responsibility and character.
- This year, the Civics Challenge welcomed students from across the country (grades 6–12) to explore civic-education topics through creative media, and 10 outstanding young people emerged as winners, each earning a $500 prize for their original videos, essays, or songs.
These students represent the future of civil, informed citizenship—and their growth is central to our mission.
Civics for All Ages
For adults, the Civics for Life Community App has become a vibrant home for continued education and civic connection. With self-paced lessons, daily quizzes, podcasts, video series, the digital O’Connor Institute Public Square, and community spaces like the Book Club and Teachers’ Lounge, the platform brings people together to learn, reflect, and engage constructively. In an era of polarization, this space for meaningful, respectful dialogue matters more than ever.
Preserving Justice O’Connor’s Legacy
We were honored to receive the Trustees Emeritus Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for our stewardship of the O’Connor House. More than a historic home, the O’Connor House now serves as a living classroom—hosting civic education programs, community conversations, and events that preserve and carry forward Justice O’Connor’s lifelong commitment to civility and constructive engagement.
Carry Forward the Work
As we look ahead, the need for informed, engaged citizens has never been more apparent. Justice O’Connor believed deeply in the value of civic education as the foundation of a healthy democracy—and each of our programs reflects that belief in action.
If you share that commitment, we invite you to partner with us in shaping a more civil, informed, and connected society. Your support helps ensure that the next generation—and the generations beyond—inherit a country strengthened by knowledge, dialogue, and participation.
Join us in carrying this work forward.
