Pathways Programs
Determined to Rise: Chicago is a pathway program that focuses on inspiring middle schoolers to see themselves as future members of the legal profession. It demonstrates the GEI’s commitment to implementing programs that contribute to increased representation of women from diverse backgrounds in the legal profession. The program:
- Offers a one-day academy in law and leadership for students in grades 6-8 from underserved communities in Chicago (developed and facilitated by Ms.JD)
- Provides opportunities for the middle schoolers to engage in interactive workshops and to meet with female law students, lawyers and judges.
- Organizes visits to law firms and courthouses in Chicago
The GEI is currently offering this program in partnership with Ms. JD, the Bronzeville Community Action Council and two middle schools from Southside Chicago (Carter G. Woodson Elementary School and Beasley Academic Center).
One Day Academy in Law and Leadership
On November 8, 2023, we hosted 33 middle school girls from Carter G. Woodson Elementary School and Beasley Academic Center, for our first One-Day Academy in law and leadership. The Academy utilized interactive programming such as mock trials, games and group work to demonstrate the path to becoming a lawyer, life of a law student and ways to use a law degree.
We are especially grateful to Judge Lindsay Jenkins – newly appointed Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law alumna – who offered the girls a glimpse into the trial process.
Check out more highlights from the event on our LinkedIn page.
It is trite but true that the children are our future. The GEI is therefore committed to implementing pathway programs focusing on inspiring children from underserved communites to see themselves as future members of the legal profession. As part of this commitment, on April 25th and 30th, 2024, we partnered with Sidley Austin LLP (Chicago office), McDonald's (Chicago corporate office), the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the Circuit Court of Cook County to host 30 middle school girls from two Southside Chicago elementary schools. The middle schoolers got the chance to learn about lawyering in a law firm and corporate office as well as the lawyers' path to the law.
"A moment that stood out to me was seeing black lawyers that I can look up to because I am also a black child and seeing them influenced me or gave me hope to be a lawyer"
"I've been on many field trips but this one stood out to me the most ... I never thought I could have a chance to meet black lawyers and actually get to learn about them and what they had to do to get to where they are now"
- Testimonials From Woodson 7th Grade Students