August 19, 2011
The Ronald H. Brown Center for Civil Rights and Economic
Development recently hosted the closing ceremony for its
award-winning
Prep Program for College Students. Launched by the Law School
in 2005 and open to college sophomores and juniors, the Prep
Program has grown and thrived as The RHB Center's flagship pipeline
initiative in partnership with:
• John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY
Department of Latin American and Latina/o Studies
• St. John’s University
• York College/CUNY
• United Negro College Fund Colleges
Through its nine-week summer curriculum, participants from
underrepresented backgrounds − often the first members of their
family to attend college – gain practical skills, hands-on
experience and mentoring they need to pursue law school admission
and the study and practice of law.
Photo Gallery
“This privilege has been a blessing for all of us who previously
did not have access to the legal network, or a complete
understanding of the legal field,” said Prep Program student Princy
Abraham, a rising senior at St. John’s University. “The Program has
provided all the tools necessary for success in our future, and has
given every student the belief that we can overcome the
socioeconomic obstacles that many of us face.” Margaret
Armoo-Daniels, a rising senior at Spelman College and recipient of
the award for hardest working student, agreed and added, “The
Ronald H. Brown Prep Program helps students transform their
perception of the LSAT from a daunting task to a true opportunity
to propel themselves into the school of their dreams and the field
of law.”
Derek Sells, managing partner of The Cochran Firm, and New York
City Council Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie inspired the
students with their remarks at the closing ceremony. Both talked
about achieving success through hard work, networking and being
role models in their communities. "The closing ceremony was a
reminder of the impact that lawyers of who are of color can make,”
said Christian Monique Jones, a Prep program participant from Saint
Augustine's College. “I will retain and utilize each piece of
advice that was shared.”
.
To mark the end of a successful year, Associate Academic Dean
Margaret V. Turano, Professor
Leonard M. Baynes, Professor
Janice D. Villiers, Derek Sells, and Council Member Comrie
jointly presented the students with certificates of completion.
Certificates of merit went to students with the highest scores on
the diagnostic LSAT test and comprehensive multiple choice exam and
who submitted the best legal writing proof and best civil and
procedure essay.
Expressing their heartfelt gratitude, at the close of the event,
the Prep Program Juniors presented an engraved gavel to Professor
Baynes, who works tirelessly to coordinate and support the Prep
Program for College Students throughout the year.
For more information on the Ronald H. Brown Prep Program for
College Students and other pipeline initiatives at St. John’s
School of Law, visit
The RHB Center website.