Youth Civics Education Programs
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy proudly provides several youth-related programs and our multigenerational Civics 101 resource. We invite educators to explore and share these resources with their students, families, and education peers. Together, we can help our young people and neighbors feel empowered to engage in our communities and conversations through civic education, engagement, and civil discourse.
For All ages
A free, online comprehensive compilation of easy, accessible micro-lessons, each is 10 minutes or less. Civics 101 is designed to provide everyone with the fundamentals of civics.
For All Ages
Multigenerational civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement online resources.
For Grades 6-12
The Civics Challenge is an online civics competition for grades 6 through 12. Students are challenged to choose one civics topic, then express their creativity through essay and video submission for an opportunity to earn cash awards!
For Grades 7-8
Camp O’Connor USA is a free, merit-based civics summer program for middle school students with a mission to educate, encourage and inspire the next generation of leaders.
For Grades 9-12
The O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club (OIA) is a free, online program for 9th- through 12th-grade students. Ambassadors have the opportunity to meet like-minded peers from across the country and engage in civil discussions on a variety of topics.
For 12th Grade Ambassadors
The John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship Fund benefits high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civil debate skills and civics knowledge with a $5,000 scholarship.