Special Event
Foundations of Civic Culture
America’s 250th: Exploring the Founding Through an Economics and Civics Lens
Join educators from around the Southwest as we celebrate America at 250 by exploring the Founding principles as articulated in the Declaration of Independence. Discover how timeless ideas of liberty and civil discourse can inspire the next generation to carry our democracy forward.
Event Details
Date and Time
| January 24, 2026 |
| 8 AM — 3:30 PM MST |
Location
Heritage Academy Mesa 32 S. Center, Mesa, AZ
Program
8 — 9 AM MST
Registration and Breakfast
9 — 9:10 AM MST
Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:10 — 10:20 AM MST
Keynote
10:20 — 11:00 AM MST
Post Debrief and Workshop
11:00 — 11:10 AM MST
Break
11:00 AM — 12:10 PM MST
Workshops
12:10 — 1:40 PM MST
Lunch and Keynote Address
1:40 — 1:50 PM MST
Break
1:50 — 2:50 PM MST
Workshops
2:50 — 3:10 PM MST
Closing Remarks
3:10 — 3:30 PM MST
Distribute checks and certificates
Sphere Education Initiatives and the University of Arizona’s Center for the Philosophy of Freedom are pleased to present our fourth annual Foundations of Civic Culture Summit. America’s 250th: Exploring the Founding Through an Economics and Civics Lens will be held in Mesa, Arizona on January 24, 2026.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the fourth installment of this professional learning opportunity for educators invites educators to reflect on the Founding principles and the Founders’ intent while learning how economics and civil discourse sustain the nation’s civic life. This experience will challenge and support educators to engage their students in enduring questions of liberty, virtue, and mutual respect, renewing the foundations of civic culture for generations to come.
This year’s Summit features two keynote presentations. Timothy Sandefur, Vice President for Legal Affairs at the Goldwater Institute and acclaimed author, will discuss themes from his forthcoming book, Proclaiming Liberty: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence (2026). Additionally, David Schmidtz, Presidential Chair of Moral Science at West Virginia University’s Chambers College of Business and Economics, will offer a keynote about Adam Smith and his influence on the Founders. Sphere Education Initiatives, the National Constitution Center, and the Foundation for Teaching Economics will also offer professional development workshops.
New for this year, participation in this event requires the completion of an application. Accepted applicants will be asked to register and pay a $20 deposit to hold their place, which will be fully refunded in their stipend after completion of the event. Registration includes all meals, books, classroom materials, a stipend, and professional development hours.
Benefits
This event offers the following benefits:
- 6 hours of professional development
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Free classroom resources and books
- $100 stipend
Program
8 — 9 AM MST
Registration and Breakfast
9 — 9:10 AM MST
Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:10 — 10:20 AM MST
Keynote
10:20 — 11:00 AM MST
Post Debrief and Workshop
11:00 — 11:10 AM MST
Break
11:00 AM — 12:10 PM MST
Workshops
12:10 — 1:40 PM MST
Lunch and Keynote Address
1:40 — 1:50 PM MST
Break
1:50 — 2:50 PM MST
Workshops
2:50 — 3:10 PM MST
Closing Remarks
3:10 — 3:30 PM MST
Distribute checks and certificates