The Independent Institute is a scholarly research and educational organization that sponsors in-depth studies of critical social and economic issues. Based in Washington, D.C., The resulting studies are published and widely distributed as books, articles in The Independent Review, Policy Reports, Working Papers, and other publications. The institute operates various centers, such as Center on Culture and Civil Society, Center on Educational Excellence, Center on Entrepreneurial Innovation, Center on Global Prosperity. Additionally it provides academic programs, such as summer seminar, independent scholarship fund, internships and essay contest.