Constitutional Democracy Academy

View over the shoulder of a student who is flipping through a book.

Summer in Columbia with the Constitution

Every July, the Kinder Institute’s Constitutional Democracy Academy brings two cohorts of rising high school juniors and seniors to Columbia for a week of immersive exploration of the history, theory, and design of the US Constitution. CDA students stay in Mizzou dorms, study on the fourth floor of Jesse Hall, and enjoy a wide range of field trips and social activities associated with the camp.

Applications Open!

CDA Applications Open February 1 with a deadline of April 15.

Apply Today

CDA in the Classroom

The academic portion of the CDA is set up as a series of discussion-based seminars based on readings that students do ahead of time. Topics examined include:

The Constitutional Convention
The Separation of Powers
Founding Mothers
Slavery and the Constitution
The Bill of Rights
The Supreme Court

Field Trips and Activities

In past years, CDA students have traveled to the Truman Library in Independence, MO, the Churchill Museum in Fulton, MO, the State Capitol in Jefferson City, and the State Historical Society of Missouri right across the street from Mizzou. In addition to these field trips, each session of the camp includes social events like movie and game nights, a formal dinner lecture, and a closing ceremony.

Wall Scholars

All CDA participants who attend Mizzou as Constitutional Democracy majors are eligible to apply for one of four Wall Scholarships given out each year. Wall Scholars receive a $5,000 scholarship each year for their first four years at the university, along with bespoke tutoring and professional development opportunities and access to the yearly Wall Scholars trip to a site of constitutional significance in the United States.

Scholarship Opportunities

CDA Applications

CDA applications typically consist of

A 500-word essay explaining your interest in attending CDA
An unofficial high school transcript
A letter of recommendation from a teacher or other adult mentor

All participants are asked to pay a $100 deposit, through financial assistance to offset the registration fee and travel are available. All other costs, including housing in Mizzou dorms, meals in campus dining halls, and travel for field trips, will be covered by the Kinder Institute.