North Dakota We the People Summer Institute

The North Dakota We the People Summer Institute brings high school civics educators together for an immersive exploration of constitutional history, civic dialogue, and the enduring questions at the heart of democratic life. Hosted in Bismarck from June 7–10, the institute combines scholar-led lectures, collaborative learning, classroom application, and simulated congressional hearings designed to strengthen civic education across North Dakota.

This year’s institute centers on the Declaration of Independence and its lasting impact on American democracy and civic life. Through discussions focused on the founding era, the Civil War and abolition, and the Declaration’s continuing influence both within the United States and internationally, educators examine how foundational ideals such as liberty, equality, justice, and self-government continue to shape public life and civic responsibility today.

Throughout the four-day institute, participants engage with nationally recognized scholars, mentor teachers, legal professionals, and civic leaders while exploring ways to bring constitutional inquiry into the classroom. Educators work together in mentor teams, discuss classroom applications for civic learning, and participate in simulated congressional hearings modeled after the nationally recognized We the People program.

This year’s scholars include Tim Moore of the Center for the Study of the American Constitution at the University of Wisconsin–Madison; award-winning educator and longtime We the People mentor Chris Cavanaugh; University of San Diego political science professor Mike Williams; North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Daniel Crothers; and civic engagement leader Whitney Oxendahl of the League of Women Voters of North Dakota.

The institute is coordinated by Jennifer Kallenbach, North Dakota We the People State Coordinator and social studies teacher at Kidder County High School. In reflecting on the importance of civic education, Kallenbach writes, “Young people today want to know that their voices matter beyond hypothetical classroom discussions.” She continues, “When given a strong foundation in civics education, they are not only capable of facing the challenges before us, but they are also uniquely equipped to find solutions.”

Offered at no cost to participating educators, the institute includes travel support, hotel accommodations, meals, and two continuing education credits. The program is designed not only to deepen content knowledge, but to help educators create thoughtful, discussion-centered classrooms where students learn to engage critically and constructively with constitutional questions and democratic participation.

Applications for the 2026 institute are currently full. 

High school civics educators interested in future participation and civic education opportunities are encouraged to select “Future Institutes” below to receive updates and information about upcoming opportunities.