The Sphere Summit is a full-scholarship summer professional development program for grades 5–12 educators and administrators focused on advancing civil discourse, free speech, and civic culture in schools and classrooms.
What it is:
An intensive, in-person summer institute in Washington, D.C. that brings together educators from across subject areas to explore the state of public discourse, shared democratic values, and classroom-ready strategies to foster constructive engagement and perspective-taking with students.
When (2026):
- Session I: July 5–9, 2026
- Session II: July 19–23, 2026
Who should apply:
Educators and school leaders serving grades 5–12 in the United States. Teachers from any discipline, including social studies, English, science, and social sciences, are encouraged to apply. Groups from the same school or district are especially welcome.
Why it’s valuable:
- Non-partisan, expert-led PD: Engage with leading scholars, policymakers, and classroom practitioners on topics including civic culture, political philosophies, contemporary policy issues, and effective communication across differences.
- Classroom application: Workshops and discussions are designed to help teachers bring civil discourse, viewpoint diversity, and constructive dialogue into their classrooms regardless of subject area.
- High-quality resources: Participants receive Summit materials, books, and classroom resources to support ongoing learning and implementation.
- Certification & community: Attendance includes a certificate of completion and connection to a growing national network of educators committed to strengthening civic understanding.
Cost & support:
There is no fee to attend, and room and board are provided for the duration of each Summit. A $500 travel stipend is available upon completion to help offset travel costs (participants are responsible for travel beyond stipend coverage and any incidental personal expenses).
Application & deadline:
Applications are open, and applicants are notified on a rolling basis. The deadline for the 2026 Summit is Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT (or until capacity is reached).
