Each spring we select 60 teachers from a pool of applicants to come to Washington for six days of educational activities that strengthen and expand instruction about the U.S. Supreme Court. The Institute is funded by and delivered in partnership with the Supreme Court Historical Society.
Teachers participate in sessions led by Supreme Court experts, journalists, and lawyers, as well as Street Law's Lee Arbetman and Cathy Ruffing. The Institute covers six current (or recent) cases and prepares teachers to use innovative methods to teach about both current and historical cases. This exciting opportunity culminates with a visit to the Court to hear decisions handed down and a reception at the Court. At the present time, the Supreme Court building is closed to the public, but we will monitor the situation and return to this tradition if the Court permits.
Since it began in 1995, the Supreme Court Summer Institute for Teachers has served more than 1,500 teachers. Collectively, our SCSI alumni reach over 150,000 students each year that they teach.
The application period for the 2022 Institute is now closed.
Eligibility
Please read this section closely before applying to confirm that you are eligible to attend and that you complete your application properly.
- 30 teachers from across the country will be accepted for each Institute (60 total).
- Admission is based on a competitive application process.
- Applicants must:
- Teach secondary (grades 7-12) social studies or law-related education
- Commit to attend all sessions (Week 1: June 9-14 or Week 2: June 23-28)
- Not have already attended Street Law's Supreme Court Summer Institute
- Complete one of the following activities after the Institute in order to receive a $200 stipend:
- Conduct training for other teachers
- Write a journal article about the teaching methods or content covered at the Institute
- Participate in two cycles of sustained support with Street Law staff
- We encourage educators of color, those who teach in urban or rural schools or on Native American reservations, those new to the teaching profession, and educators of diverse backgrounds to apply.
- In addition to the online application, an Administrator Reference Form must be completed by an applicant’s supervisor or administrator by March 15, 2022. Applications without the Administrative Reference Form will not be considered.
- If you applied to the 2021 Supreme Court Summer Institute and would like to reactivate that application, you can let us know here. Please note that you must still submit an administrator reference form.
- All applicants will be notified of their status no later than April 1, 2022.
- Please do not attempt to make travel arrangements or pay your registration fee until you are notified of your acceptance.