Revealing Origin Stories of America

Did you know that in Arizona over 66% of students who enrolled in K-12 schools in 2024 were students of color? Yet K-12 instruction often under-represents the voices, perspectives and contributions of people of color in curriculum. By contrast, academic studies show that in culturally responsive classes students develop a stronger sense of personal empowerment, perform better academically and graduate at higher rates.

At the Summer Institute, Arizona educators as well as pre-service teachers probe deeply into what it means to be a culturally inclusive teacher, curriculum developer, student counselor, etc., from examining personal hidden biases to redesigning curriculum to reflect the natural “assets” that students of color already bring to the classroom, and much more.

The 2025 Summer Institute takes place over 8 days — June 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, for 90 minutes per day, and is available to all K-12 Arizona educators and pre-service teachers around the state who apply and are admitted into the program.

During the 8 days, AZ educators engage in highly collaborative and interactive sessions, which include lectures, discussions, and opportunities to experiment with new tools and lesson plans. Sessions are led by master educators, journalists, curriculum developers and experts of historical content.

The Summer Institute is made possible thanks to grants from AZ Humanities, SRP, ASU School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, and donors like YOU!