One-of-a-kind programs, scholarships, and cash prize opportunities!
We are excited to inspire the next generation of informed, engaged citizens through the O’Connor Institute's youth programs. Designed for middle and high school students, our hands-on civics education opportunities help students build knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills while exploring how our government works and how they can participate in it.
Learn more about the programs, how you can participate, and more below!
Connect With Peers Across the Country!
The Sandra Day O'Connor Ambassadors Online Civics & Debate Club is a free, extracurricular opportunity for high school students in 9th through 12th grade.
Are you a high school student who wants to stand out on college applications, sharpen your leadership and debate skills, and connect with other ambitious students across the country?
Join a one-of-a-kind, totally free, online Civics & Debate Club.
Earn A $1,000 Award With Civics!
The Civics Challenge is for middle and high school students in 6th-12th grades.
Are you a budding cinematographer or songwriter? The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute is proud to invite middle and high school students to use their creativity in the annual Civics Challenge. Students can earn $1,000 and help their peers learn more about civics through videos and original songs!
2026-2027 Competition Details:
Competition Opens Sept. 25, 2026 | Entry Deadline April 16, 2027
Watch one of our awesome 2026 winners and get inspired!
$5,000 Scholarship Opportunities
A special opportunity for High School Seniors participating in the O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club.
This year, eligible students have the opportunity to be considered for the national John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship, as well as five additional $5,000 scholarships for Arizona students made possible through the Deloitte Foundation Arizona Scholars Program. Both scholarships aim to honor Arizona students selected by the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for academic achievement, leadership, strong civic knowledge, and excellence in respectful debate.
A Unique Camp Opportunity
Camp O'Connor USA is for 7th and 8th-grade students.
Are you in 7th or 8th grade? This week-long, free, merit-based summer program might be for you! You will have to explore firsthand how our government works while gaining an understanding of our nation's branches of government and the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.
We look forward to welcoming this year's campers in June 2026!
CAMP O'CONNOR USA 2027: Application Details Coming in Early 2027
