Education Pipeline Initiative
Redefining Leadership Through Public Service and Education
The Pacific McGeorge Education Pipeline Initiative is a collaborative effort to increase the academic persistence and educational achievement of underrepresented youth in the Sacramento area, with an emphasis on law and leadership. University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, in cooperation with the many dedicated partners along the pipeline, currently provides programs for K-12 students at four local schools.
Through the Pacific Pathways Pipeline Project and Street Law International, Pacific McGeorge provides academic assistance, mentoring, academic enrichment and guidance for K-12 students, and works to increase the likelihood these students will obtain a college degree and attend graduate or professional school. Law-themed learning and activities are the foundation for this program, which involves student exposure to law students, lawyers, judges, the law school environment and issues relating to justice and civic responsibility. Students of color and students from disadvantaged backgrounds are specifically targeted for each of the programs.
We believe every law school should create and sustain an Education Pipeline Initiative. Why?
- In the current competitive climate, where minority students do not present the credentials equal to other applicants, law schools cannot achieve a proportionally culturally diverse student population. This disparity reflects achievement and aspiration gaps that begin as early as preschool. To grow the pool of students interested in, and qualified for, admission to law school, we must direct our attention to the many points along the education pipeline.
- Law schools have significant resources to bring to bear on improving student quality, achievement, and aspiration. They can work with students early in the pipeline to assure academic rigor sufficient to produce the skills essential to law school and to increase student aspiration to persist in school from preschool to professional school.
- At every point along the pipeline, participants benefit from the program and from interacting with people from other cultures and educational backgrounds.
For more information on the Education Pipeline Initiative, contact Beth Bulgeron, Education Pipeline Initiative Project Manager at 916-739-7270.
