The James Madison College Academy for Civic Education (JMC-ACE) launches in summer 2026 as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Funded by a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, JMC-ACE offers two distinct programs: residential summer seminars for Michigan high school students and intensive professional development seminars for Michigan educators.

Through small-group seminars led by JMC faculty, participants engage directly with primary sources, including the Constitution, Federalist Papers, landmark Supreme Court decisions and pivotal speeches that defined American democracy.

Two-Week Residential Seminar for Students

Rising seniors from across Michigan spend two weeks immersed in college-level seminars exploring American democracy. Students engage in small-group discussions of primary texts. 

• Daily seminars led by JMC faculty
• Small discussion groups (12-15 students) focused on primary texts
• Co-curricular programming including field trips and cultural activities
• Residential college experience living in MSU residence halls

Program Details

• When: Two weeks in summer 2026 (tentative: July 12-24, 2026)
• Participants: 20-25 rising high school seniors
• Cost: Completely free, including travel stipends
• Housing: MSU residence halls with all meals provided
• Format: Small seminars with JMC faculty

Apply by March 1

JMC-ACE is now accepting applications from Michigan high school students to participate in its Summer 2026 programming on Michigan State University campus (tentative: July 12-24, 2026). Apply online via Qualtrics by March 1.

Summer Program for Educators

This program addresses what teachers consistently report as a challenge: incorporating primary sources into classroom teaching effectively. Building on JMC faculty's existing teacher programs, the seminars combine deep engagement with foundational texts and practical pedagogy strategies.

• Strategies for facilitating seminar discussions
• How to use the "Great Debates" format in the classroom
• Techniques for helping students engage directly with historical documents
• Methods for moving beyond textbook summaries
• Classroom-ready materials and lesson plans

Program Details

• When: One week in summer 2026 (specific dates TBA)
• Participants: 20-25 middle and high school teachers per cohort
• Stipend: $1,000 per participant
• Credits: Professional development credits through Michigan Department of Education
• Locations: Rotating across Michigan: Detroit, Grand Rapids, northern Michigan (summer 2026 location TBA)
• Accommodations: Hotel and all meals provided
• Subjects: Social studies, history, civics, government, AP Government

Five Pillars of American Achievement

The JMC ACE curriculum explores American democracy through multiple lenses: the political institutions established by the Constitution, the free market principles that enabled unprecedented prosperity, the scientific and technological innovations that transformed the nation, the statesmanship that guided us through crises and the civic virtue required to sustain self-government.

This interdisciplinary approach helps participants understand how constitutional democracy, economic freedom, innovation, leadership and citizenship work together to create the American achievement.

Help support the JMC-ACE program by giving online via MSU.