2025 Supreme Court Summer Institute

Want to learn more about SCSI or have questions about the application process? Watch our Application Process Informational Webinar

Teachers participate in sessions led by Supreme Court experts, advocates, and journalists, as well as Street Law's Cathy Ruffing and Lee Arbetman. The Institute reviews six current (or recent) cases and prepares teachers to use innovative methods to teach about both current and historical cases.

Historically, this exciting opportunity has culminated with a visit to hear decisions handed down in the courtroom and an evening reception at the Court (Court schedule permitting).

This will be the 30th Anniversary of the Supreme Court Summer Institute! In that time, more than 1,550 teachers have attended and as alumni have utilized the strategies and content they learned at SCSI in their classrooms year after year. Collectively, our SCSI alumni reach over 155,000 students each year that they teach.

View last year's agenda. While the agenda is updated each year and reflects current cases before the Supreme Court, last year's agenda is an example of the types of sessions and topics included in the Institute.

Application Details and 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 8-13 or Week 2: June 22-27)
  • Have not 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
• Educators of color, those who teach in urban or rural schools or on Native American reservations, those new to the teaching profession, and those of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• In addition to the online application, an Administrator Reference Form must be completed by an applicant’s supervisor or administrator by March 1, 2025. Applications without the Administrative Reference Form will not be considered. The form can be found here.
• All applicants will be notified of their status no later than April 1, 2025. Please do not attempt to make travel arrangements or pay your registration fee until you are notified of your acceptance.

Logistical Details

Location (tentative)

Week 1 and Week 2 Location:
Georgetown University Law Center
600 New Jersey Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001

Hotel Information

Participants will be eligible for discounted rooms at a nearby hotel.

Registration Fee

$150 registration fee includes all materials and most meals.

Contact

Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions about the Institute.