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
Application Status
The application window for the Summer 2026 program has now closed. Applicants can expect to receive an admissions decision by mid-April. Contact JM.ace@msu.edu with questions about your application.
High school students interested in participating in the Summer 2027 are encouraged to join our mailing list to receive application information once it is available.
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- Techniques for helping students engage directly with historical documents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
Program Details
- When: June 22-26, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Mich.
- 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
Join the Waitlist
Registration for the Summer 2026 teacher program is currently at capacity. Educators interested in joining the waitlist can share their information via Google Forms. If spots become available, waitlist members will be notified in the order in which they enrolled.
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.