Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy

09/08/2026

Georgia K***z, a senior studying international studies and economics, explored a new part of the world through our Race and Politics in South Africa course and winter trip to Cape Town. Her favorite memory? Visiting Bo-Kaap, the vibrant heart of Cape Malay culture.

🌍Ready for your own global experience?
📝Apply by September 20.

09/04/2026

🎓 Applications are now open for the Kinder Scholars D.C. Summer Program.

Who can apply?
Undergraduate students in any field of study who have completed at least one year of full-time college coursework are eligible to apply. Applicants must be living in Columbia during the spring semester and enrolled at MU the following fall.

📅 Info sessions: Sept. 15 & 16 | 5 pm | Jesse 410

09/03/2026

Before studying abroad in South Africa, Noah Yaeger had never left the United States. He returned with new insight into the people, events, and movements that transformed the nation. He shared that experience at the Kinder Institute’s South Africa Conference, where he and his classmates presented their semester-long research.

Discover new perspectives, build lasting friendships, and pursue meaningful research through our study away program and companion course on the Race and Politics of South Africa.

📝Applications close September 20!
🔗Learn more at democracy.missouri.edu

08/21/2026

Earlier this summer, we welcomed two groups of high school juniors and seniors to Constitutional Democracy Academy, a weeklong program exploring the history, theory, and design of the US Constitution. From living on campus and studying at the Kinder Institute to participating in field trips and social events, students experienced a week full of learning, discovery, and connection.

This is always a highlight of the summer. Watch for details on applications for Summer 2027.

08/20/2026

What an incredible two days! The 13th annual Society of Fellows Conference wrapped yesterday at the Tiger Hotel, bringing together 21 undergraduate fellows for lectures and discussions on topics ranging from the politics of sound and documentary filmmaking to early American elections and city planning and zoning.

Thank you to our guest speakers, the Tiger Hotel staff, and everyone who helped make this year’s conference such a memorable experience!

08/12/2026

Congratulations to Kinder Institute Associate Director Dr. Billy Coleman, whose article, “Commemoration, Creation, and Sounding the Nation’s Future at St. Louis’s Bicentennial Horizons of American Music,” has been featured in the latest issue of the Journal of Modern American History from Cambridge University Press.

In the article, Dr. Coleman explores the 1976 Bicentennial of American Independence, a defining moment in American commemoration, through the efforts of Elizabeth Gentry Sayad, the driving force behind St. Louis’s Bicentennial Horizons of American Music (BHAM).

Join us in congratulating Dr. Coleman on this exciting publication!

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/modern-american-history/article/commemoration-creation-and-sounding-the-nations-future-at-st-louiss-bicentennial-horizons-of-american-music/ACC48EA3AF4BDB427BBEA80D7ECC040A

08/04/2026

07/31/2026

Hi, I’m Eliza Andrews, a rising sophomore studying Constitutional Democracy and International Business, and I’ll be taking you through our last week in Oxford!

This week, we wrapped up our lectures on the Glorious Revolution and began preparing for our final tutorials. On Wednesday, my group presented our policy brief for our Policy Communication and Engagement course. On Thursday, we had our final tutorials with our professors and celebrated the end of our program with our last formal dinner.

Follow along to see our last field trip to Bath and ending festivities!

07/30/2026

07/28/2026

Earlier this month, we hosted the 2nd annual Missouri Civics Bee at The State Historical Society of Missouri. Seven middle school students from across the state competed for a the chance to represent Missouri at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C this fall.

Garry C. came home with first place and a $1,000 prize. Claire S. received second place and a $750 prize, and Alexander M. earned third place and a $250 prize.

Congratulations to all participants and thank you to SHSMO and Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry for partnering with us!

The Civic Trust