KAPNICK CHALLENGE

ABOUT LAWYERS IN THE CLASSROOM

ABOUT EDWARD J. LEWIS II

KAPNICK CHALLENGE BROCHURE (pdf)

NEW PROGRAM FEATURES

CHALLENGE CONTRIBUTORS

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

JOIN THE KAPNICK CHALLENGE

KAPNICK CHALLENGE TO SUPPORT
The Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom Project

ATTORNEYS IN SCHOOLS: A UNIQUE CIVIC CONTRIBUTION

Public schools were created in America with the primary purpose of preparing students to participate constructively in our democracy. With everything that schools must do in today's testing climate, it is difficult for educators to find the time and the resources to focus on what they were created to do.

Working with educators, attorneys can play a vital role in promoting the civic engagement of students. Research has shown that multiple interactions with well-prepared attorneys have a positive effect on student learning and on the development of favorable student attitudes toward the law and legal institutions. They add unique dimensions to the classroom by providing students with knowledge based on real life experiences, and they serve as positive role models for students. But good attorney/classroom partnerships don't just happen.

THE EDWARD J. LEWIS II LAWYERS IN THE CLASSROOM PROGRAM

Developed and coordinated by the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago (CRFC), the Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom program partners attorneys with elementary teachers and their students to address the ever-growing need of schools to prepare students to live in our democracy.

CRFC trains attorneys to lead interactive lessons; provides attorneys with CRFC teaching materials; partners attorneys with schools; and coaches the attorney/teacher team. CRFC also trains the teachers and creates additional lessons and assessments appropriate to each grade level. Lawyers in the Classroom provides multiple, authentic opportunities for students to learn about their rights and responsibilities under the law.

THE KAPNICK CHALLENGE

In Fall 2007, Scott and Kathleen Kapnick, close friends of Edward, offered CRFC a challenge of $500,000 to support the Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom program. Scott and Kathleen pledged a $250,000, dollar-for-dollar pledge, and their foundation pledged an additional $250,000 challenge for a $500,000 match. CRFC accepted the challenge to raise $750,000 in contributions and pledges before October 2009.

By October 2008, CRFC had raised $250,000 in contributions to fulfill the first $250,000 challenge, and CRFC is well on the way toward receiving contributions and pledges toward the second $500,000 challenge. With your help, CRFC can raise the outstanding balance to meet Scott and Kathleen Kapnick's challenge and fulfill Edward's dream of sustaining the Lawyers in the Classroom for future generations of students and double the number of students benefiting from Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom Program. Join us today.