Sandra Day O’Connor Institute Announces Support from Thunderbirds Charities to Advance Civic Education
Partnership expands access to nonpartisan civic learning, civil discourse, and leadership opportunities for students in Arizona and beyond.
PHOENIX, Ariz. — September XX, 2026 — The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute is pleased to announce a grant from Thunderbirds Charities supporting its Youth Civic Initiatives, a year-round portfolio of Phoenix-based and online programs that help young people build civic knowledge, communication skills, and leadership experience.
Founded to carry forward Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s legacy, the nonpartisan Institute provides accessible opportunities for students and lifelong learners to better understand American government, history, democracy, and the responsibilities of citizenship. Thunderbirds Charities’ support will help sustain youth programs that reach students through in-person learning, creative competition, and virtual engagement.
“We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their partnership and belief in the power of civic education,” said Sarah Suggs, President and CEO of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute. “Their support helps keep meaningful civic learning opportunities accessible to students and advances Justice O’Connor’s belief that an informed citizenry is essential.”
Expanding Access to Civic Learning
The Institute’s youth initiatives provide multiple entry points for students to learn, lead, and participate in civic life. This includes:
- The O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club gives high school students free online opportunities to develop civics knowledge, public speaking, and debate skills, participate in community service, and access scholarship opportunities.
- Camp O’Connor USA introduces middle school students to government, public service, and civic leadership through one week of experiential learning in Phoenix each June.
- The Civics Challenge invites students in grades 6 through 12 to explore civic topics through creative submissions.
Among this year’s Civics Challenge winners is Arizona’s own Ranvir S., a 7th grader from Peoria, whose winning entry, “Celebrating America 250: With Benjamin Franklin’s Reflections in His Own Words,” was honored in the middle school category. A testament to the reach and impact of the Institute’s civic programming in the Phoenix area. He later attended Camp O’Connor USA 2026 as well.
Together, these programs strengthen students’ understanding of government and citizenship while building the communication, confidence, and leadership skills needed for informed participation in their communities. Arizona students benefit directly from Phoenix-based programming, while online opportunities extend access beyond the classroom and throughout the country.
By supporting this work, Thunderbirds Charities joins the Institute in preparing a new generation of informed, engaged, and responsible citizens and in strengthening the long-term health of American democracy.
This grant is part of the Spring 2026 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.