Constitutional Democracy Academy

Sessions: July 6-24, 2026

Constitutional Democracy Academy at the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy at the University of Missouri is an academic summer program designed for high school students who are passionate about civic education and who would like to spend a week diving deeply into the subjects of American political history and American political thought. Rising juniors and seniors are invited to apply.

Camp One: July 6-10, or
Camp Two: July 20-24

Through a series of discussion-based seminars led by MU faculty, participants will both tackle questions of historical significance and apply their answers to the current state of U.S. politics. They will, for example, not only consider how the U.S. Constitution was designed to create an effective government that would stay within its limits and not become tyrannical but also turn to the present to assess whether the Constitution has been successful in striking this balance.

Other topics at the Constitutional Democracy Academy might include:

• Separation of Powers and the Control of the Effects of Faction
• Founding Mothers
• Slavery and the Constitution
• The Bill of Rights
• The Supreme Court

The academy is hosted on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia, and students will be housed in campus residence halls. Residential Advisors will be in dorms with students to advise and assist them.

A non-refundable fee of $100 will be required of accepted applicants to reserve their place. All other expenses associated with the Constitutional Democracy Academy, including meals, lodging, and any program materials, are covered by the Kinder Institute. Some assistance with the registration fee is available for those in financial need.

In addition to the daily seminar, students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide array of recreational activities.

Applications are due April 6 and require one letter of recommendation from a teacher or non-guardian.