In the fall of 2022, the Career and Technical Education Center (CETC) launched its Pre-Law pathway, a program that introduces high school students to the legal field. What began with two courses, Introduction to Law and Criminal Law & Justice, has expanded significantly due to strong student interest. In just three years, the program has nearly doubled in size, growing from 80 students to over 150. To accommodate this growth, CETC has added two additional courses: Civil Rights & the Law and Business Law.
To lead and further develop the Pre-Law pathway, CETC brought in seasoned attorney David Elchoness, who is licensed in three states with extensive experience in the technology and startup industries. “I wanted to teach this program to give students an opportunity to engage with the law in a meaningful way, whether they’re interested in a legal career or not,” stated Elchoness. In 2023, attorney Evelyn Bonn, a highly qualified and seasoned professional in the field, joined as a co-instructor. “Neither of us had teaching experience, but we quickly connected with the students. It’s been incredibly rewarding,” noted Bonn.
The program’s success is clear from its growth and the positive feedback from students. Madelyn Bowling-Garcia, a Silver Creek High School graduate attending Colorado State University, shared, “Whether you’re interested in going into law or not, I would highly recommend these classes to anyone! They are insightful, interactive, and not like any other classes you’ll take.”
The Pre-Law pathway focuses on three main goals: developing critical thinking skills through reading, writing, discussions, and debates; responding to students’ interest in the law and legal careers; and offering an alternative path to English elective credit for those looking to diversify their studies. Since its inception, the program has expanded to include two new courses and a capstone project for advanced students, enhancing their opportunity to explore legal studies in greater depth. Additionally, both instructors are now certified to teach English, allowing the program to offer English elective credit.
In 2023, CETC introduced a mock trial team, drawing students from high schools across the district, including Mead, Silver Creek, Niwot, Frederick, Skyline, Lyons, and Erie. “Our team performed exceedingly well for a first-time team,” stated Bonn. The mock trial team provides students with hands-on experience in a courtroom setting. The program also includes several mock trials within each course, where students prepare opening and closing statements, examine witnesses, and role-play as those witnesses.
Daisy Eurich, a Longmont High School graduate attending the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, shared how the Pre-Law pathway helped her further comprehend the court system. “I have a better understanding of how to write cases and police reports. The material simplified the law for me and fueled my desire to take more law classes in college.”
The core courses, Introduction to Law, Criminal Law & Justice, Civil Rights & the Law, and Business Law, are designed to be relevant to all students, regardless of their career goals. Each course mimics the law school experience, with students reading original judicial opinions, engaging in Socratic discussions, and participating in mock trials based on realistic scenarios. “Even if students aren’t planning to go into law, the skills they develop in this program—critical thinking, reading, writing, and verbal communication—are invaluable,” emphasized Elchoness.
Catherine Ruiz, a Silver Creek High School graduate who is attending the University of Colorado, Boulder, found the class to be transformative. “Coming into this class, I didn’t really know what to expect. Over the past two years, I’ve gained mentors and friends who believed in me. I not only learned about the legal realm, but I have also discovered a passion for it.”
Looking ahead, CETC’s Pre-Law pathway focuses on expanding internships, partnerships, and extracurricular opportunities to further enhance the student experience. In the fall of 2024, St. Vrain Valley Schools AGILE program will include students participating online from their home schools within St. Vrain and from rural areas outside the district. “We’re excited about the direction this program is heading,” stated Elchoness. “Our goal is to keep growing and adapting to meet the needs of our students, providing them with the best possible education.”