Rising Scholars Program

SMU Dedman School of Law’s 4th annual Rising Scholars Program was held June 3-7, 2024. The law school developed the program for rising high school seniors interested in a career in law.

The program seeks to introduce high school students to the law school experience and the practice of law by offering mini-classes, professional development workshops, and panel discussions with practicing attorneys from a variety of legal sectors.

During the week-long residential program, the students learned about the fundamentals of the law, law firms, judicial careers, and in-house corporate work. They were also a part of public speaking exercises, learned how to network and interview, and participated in a wellness session. The program ended with a moot court competition where students developed and displayed their critical thinking and communication skills.

The sponsors are American Airlines and AT&T. AT&T was the first sponsor when the program began in 2021. American Airlines joined as a sponsor and major contributor in 2023. At the awards luncheon on Friday, June 7, Cole Brown '97, Chief People Officer at American Airlines, surprised the Rising Scholars with a gift of 60,000 American Airlines miles to help with travel for college visits.