‘Stepping Stones’ Apps Due Wednesday

Dean R. P. Edwards
Volume 3, Issue 8, (Originally Published on Monday 29th April)
 
The Law Students’ Society Equality Portfolio is looking for JDs interested in helping young people transition from secondary school to university, as part of the Stepping Stones pilot program launching this year.
 
Applications close this Wednesday, 1 May 2013.
 
Equality Director Caitlin Edwards said that the program, which is geared toward secondary school students from low socio-economic backgrounds, hopes to attract JD students “who are genuinely interested in assisting young people in their journey from secondary school to university.”
 
Those with an interest in issues involving access to education, and those with previous experience in youth mentoring and working with disadvantaged youth, are encouraged to apply, she added.
 
Edwards and co-Equality Director Duncan Mackenzie have enlisted two co-opt directors, second-year Joanna Abrahams and first-year Giorgina McCormack, to help run the pilot program. In addition, Edwards said the pilot has received “a lot of support” from Street Law subject coordinator Lucy Quinn and MLS Public Law Interest Program director Joanne Kerr.
 
According to Edwards, a similar program called ‘Inspire High School Mentoring’, run in 2011, was “largely successful and received great feedback from the JD mentors and secondary school participants.” She noted that the Equality Portfolio hopes that by “aligning Stepping Stones with the schools [that] engage with the MLS subject ‘Street Law’ will make for a more sustainable programs.”
 
Successful applicants for the pilot will take part in a launch event at MLS later this year. JD mentors and their secondary school mentees will have a chance to meet for the first time at the event. Edwards said that the program comprises “a series of school visits and excursions throughout the year, and a closing event in November.”
 
Applications are available online at <http://bit.ly/15QjKed>.
 
Dean R. P. Edwards