July 10, 2024 (Phoenix, AZ) – The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy has been awarded a generous $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities for youth civic programming. Since 2017, the O’Connor Institute has presented Camp O’Connor to prepare Arizona’s youth for active citizenship through high-quality civics education.
The O’Connor Institute’s youth programming includes Camp O’Connor USA, Civics Challenge, and the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club. Camp O’Connor USA is a free, merit-based, week-long summer program providing interactive
civics education and leadership development for 7th and 8th graders. Our sixth camp took place in downtown Phoenix at the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, home of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute. Uniquely, Camp O’Connor participants
experience civics in action, enhanced by field trips to the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of Arizona’s state government. With participants from Maricopa County and surrounding areas, the Institute was pleased to welcome their largest camp to date, 100 7th and 8th-grade students. In preparation for Camp O’Connor, middle schoolers are required to complete an essay assignment on the topic of civics. Camp applicants are also encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities such as performing arts, student government, and sports.
Camp O’Connor also prepares students for the O’Connor Institute’s high school programming, the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club. This online program begins accepting applications as the fall school year commences, and monthly meetings are held throughout the academic year. The O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club promotes civics education, civic engagement, and civil discourse and simultaneously develops leadership skills for the next generation. It includes a $5,000 scholarship opportunity awarded each spring.
Additionally, in January, Arizona youth are invited to participate in the Institute’s Civics Challenge, an academically focused civics competition. Students from 6th to 12th grade are asked to research various civics-related themes, such as citizenship/rights and
responsibilities, the three branches of government, and the legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. They are challenged to express their creativity and knowledge of civics through multiple art forms, including essays, short videos, music, art, or poetry, to earn a cash award.
O’Connor Institute Board Co-Chair Gay Firestone Wray proudly states, “The O’Connor Institute would like to thank the Thunderbirds for their continued support of civics education for young people. They are helping to empower students during a critical stage of development as they hone their understanding of civics, our government, and good citizenship. This grant and our partnership with Thunderbirds Charities showcase our shared commitment to improving the quality of life here in Arizona and investing in the future of our youth, communities, our country, and our democracy.”
The O’Connor Institute’s youth programming educates, inspires, and encourages the next generation of leaders to develop a deeper understanding of and appreciation for our democracy and their important role as citizens. Participants develop leadership skills and greater knowledge of our nation’s democracy. These robust civics programs equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding of the importance of their participation in their communities, their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and how to be informed voters when they are old enough to cast their ballot.
“The Thunderbirds have been with us from the beginning as we created a civics education program for middle school students that has grown each year,” Sarah Suggs, President of the O’Connor Institute, shared. “Investing in civics education for students is
crucial to our nation as well as fostering an informed, engaged, and responsible citizenry. And through the Thunderbirds’ support, we continue to honor the legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and love for this program that helped the youth of our
country understand their essential and important part in its future.”
Thunderbirds Charities has funded Camp O’Connor since its inception in 2017. In tribute to Justice O’Connor’s distinguished legacy as an honorary Thunderbird, the O’Connor Institute proudly extends its deepest gratitude to Thunderbirds Charities for
their continued support of Camp O’Connor and their commitment to children’s education in Arizona. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need, and improve the quality of life in our communities.
Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy
This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.