Teach For America Partnership

Last week I did an on-line session with some Teach for America corps members about the Law School application process.  For those who may not know, Teach for America is a wonderful organization that places recent college graduates in teaching positions in low income communities.  The Law School has a partnership with TFA resulting from our dedication to public interest work.  As a result of this partnership, we waive our application fee and guarantee a two year deferral for those who wish to participate in TFA before starting at the Law School.  The Law School also sets aside scholarship dollars for TFA alums.  The experience in the classroom is excellent preparation for the courtroom for future lawyers.  TFA alums have gained valuable work experience which will be beneficial to them in law school.   We have several TFA alumni who are current students at the Law School and they have remained active in the education issues in our local public school system.  3L Katie Hill, for example, is active in our StreetLaw student organization.  In addition to regular meetings with local high school students, each year a Streetlaw group comes to the Law School for a day as a field trip.  This is a great way to expose the students to college life as well as graduate school.  We do a mock trial, have tours and meet with current students.   All in all I think it is a fun day for the students and for the law students.