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.
The O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club for 9th through 12th grade high school students promotes civil discourse, civics education and civic engagement. Leaders in the making, O'Connor Institute Ambassadors set examples and encourage their peers to be active participants in our democracy.
Welcome to the 7th Annual Civics Challenge!
Before you begin, READ the rules and submission information HERE
- How to make a great video? View Tips
- Questions about the challenge? Contact info@oconnorinstitute.org
- For technical questions: submittable.com/contact
- How to access your draft form? Directions
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute extracurricular online club, the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club, has announced its $5,000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior.
The John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship Fund benefits an O’Connor Institute Ambassador high school senior who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civil debate skills and civics knowledge. Established in memory of a late O’Connor Institute colleague, the Fetzer scholarship is bestowed to an exemplary member of the O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club who personify the core values of the Institute, such as civility and inclusivity.
The Deloitte Foundation, in partnership with the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute are pleased to offer five (5) $5,000 scholarships for graduating Arizona high school seniors currently enrolled in the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club.
The Deloitte Foundation Arizona Scholarship Fund benefits five Arizona O’Connor Institute Ambassador high school seniors who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civil debate skills and civics knowledge.
Camp O’Connor USA is a free, merit-based week-long summer program providing civics education and leadership development for middle school students. Students must be a current 7th and 8th grade student during the 2025-2026 school year to be considered. Camp O’Connor USA is designed to educate, encourage and inspire the next generation of leaders to have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for our democracy, and to help build lifelong potential for success. Camp O’Connor USA is presented by the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute.
CAMP Details:
Date/Time: Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12, 2026
Location: ASU Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, 111 East Taylor Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 27, 2026
First Round of Acceptance Notification: Friday, April 17, 2026