An informed citizenry is the bedrock of a strong democratic republic. The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute offers a range of programs that support our mission to advance democracy through multigenerational civil discourse, civics education, and civic engagement. Join us: be part of lifelong learning and building a brighter future.
Learn more about our mission, vision, and core values.
The Legacy of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor served her country in all three branches of state government before she joined the nation's highest court. She served as Arizona Assistant Attorney General and then as a state senator, and in 1973 became the first woman in the United States to serve as majority leader of a state senate. She later served as a trial judge and as a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals.
In 1981, she was confirmed unanimously as the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Over nearly 25 years on the Court, she became known for careful, practical reasoning and for deciding each case on its facts.
After she retired in 2006, Justice O'Connor devoted herself to the cause she believed mattered most for the country's future: making sure every American understands how our government works and how to take part in it. She founded the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute in 2009, and that same year she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. She often said that knowledge of civics is not handed down through the gene pool. It has to be taught to every generation.
The Institute carries this work forward. It also preserves O'Connor House, the Justice's former Arizona home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the spirit of the conversations she hosted there, it remains a place where people with different views come together to talk, listen, and find common ground.
Our Three Pillars
Civil Discourse
A democratic republic depends on citizens who can disagree respectfully and reason from shared facts. Justice O'Connor was known for working across differences, and our civil discourse programs continue that tradition.
- Issues & Answers hosts expert-led conversations that present balanced, fact-based perspectives on public policy questions. Participants hear more than one side and are trusted to reach their own conclusions.
Civics Education
Understanding how our government works is the starting point for participating. We offer free, accessible civics learning for every age and every stage of life.
- Civics for Life is a website with a variety of resources that introduces the essentials of American government and history to lifelong learners who are new to the subject or want a refresher. From the founders to today, find articles, podcasts, and more.
- U.S. Constitution Teachers Workshop is professional development for social studies educators, held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
- O'Connor Digital Library is a searchable archive of Justice O'Connor's legal opinions, legislative work, speeches, interviews, and papers. It is open to students, researchers, and the public.
- Before It Became History is our podcast. It brings the people and turning points of American history to life.
Civics Engagement
Civic knowledge matters most when people put it to use. We help people move from learning to participating in their schools, communities, and country.
- O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Online Civics & Debate Club is a free, fully online, extracurricular program for high school students nationwide. It meets monthly so students can build skills in research, debate, and civil dialogue. Participants can earn a graduation cord and are eligible for scholarship opportunities, including the $5,000 John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship.
- Civics for Life Community App is a free online lifelong learning platform with multigenerational civics lessons, history, quizzes, and resources, available on the web and through the Civics for Life app.
Who We Serve
The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute is a national, non-partisan nonprofit. Our programs serve learners of all ages in all 50 states and on six continents, including students, educators, families, and lifelong learners. Through educational programs, online workshops, and community initiatives, we encourage discussion of civic responsibility and the role of government, and we emphasize non-partisan dialogue as a foundation of strong democratic values and practices.
Join Us
Justice O'Connor believed that every citizen has a part to play in our democracy. You can carry her legacy forward:
- Learn: explore articles and more on Civics for Life
- Engage: attend an upcoming program or encourage a student to join the Ambassadors
- Support: make a gift to help keep our programs free and accessible
