Rising Scholars Program

NEW SMU LAW SUMMER PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS BUILDS HANDS-ON BRIDGE TO LAW CAREERS

The legal profession unfortunately remains one of the least diverse professions in the nation. Because of its core commitment to changing those statistics and increasing access to the profession, SMU Dedman School of Law developed a new program called the Rising Scholars Program to engage, inspire, and empower high school students who are interested in law.

Sixteen rising high school seniors participated in a week-long educational program that included college and law school admissions presentations, professional development sessions, mock classes, a moot court competition, and attorney panels and lunches. Click here to view a picture of the Rising Scholars Program participants.

“SMU Law is committed to investing in the next generation of legal professionals. We were so excited to launch the Rising Scholars Program last week and host this exceptional group of high school students,” said Jennifer Collins, Dean of SMU Dedman School of Law. “We hope this experience has inspired the students to consider a career in law and equipped them with some key tools that will help them be successful in college and wherever their professional dreams may lead them.”

The pilot program, which ran from June 28 through July 2, was sponsored by AT&T. Most of the participants were selected through the Law School’s partnership with the Dallas Bar Association’s Summer Law Intern Program, which provides internships for high school students who are students in the Dallas Independent School District. SMU Dedman School of Law is honored to have hosted the inaugural class of its Rising Scholars Program.

“Working with these students has been an absolute joy! Their level of engagement in the program and enthusiasm about the legal profession has set the bar high for future classes of the Rising Scholars Program, says Erika Fadel, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “It is refreshing to work with a group of young people who have a deep thirst for learning and who have been intentional about putting themselves in a position to be challenged and to grow. We look forward to continuing to work with them as they continue their academic endeavors.”