Sandra Day O’Connor Institute
Project Title
For project support of online and in-person experiential immersion and debate programs in democracy and U.S. systems of government
Date
Mar. 05, 2026
Duration
0 months
Description
Research shows that many students lack meaningful opportunities to experience the nation’s founding ideals in action, while educators feel ill-equipped to teach civics effectively. Founded in 2009 by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the O’Connor Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to advancing civics education, civil discourse, and civic engagement nationally. With support from Carnegie, the Institute will expand and strengthen two free experiential learning programs designed to move young people from civic awareness to civic practice: Camp O’Connor USA, a merit-based civics summer program for middle school students, and the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club, a virtual civil discourse program for high school students nationwide. By coupling in-person immersion with sustained virtual engagement, the Institute reaches students across varied regions and socioeconomic backgrounds. Carnegie’s support will fund student participation, access, and essential learning resources—including scholarships and instructional materials—while driving a national expansion that will increase combined student enrollment from 1,671 to 3,125.