The 3Rs: Rights ● Responsibilities ● Realities
Thirteen years. More than 35,700 students. Over 2,300 volunteers. 119,000 volunteer hours totaling $12 million in donated time. This fall The 3Rs kicks off its 14th year in the Cleveland and East Cleveland schools, and we have the entire legal community to thank for this monumental achievement, helping thousands of students learn about the law and plan for their future.
In 2018-19 we placed volunteers in 72 classrooms across 21 high schools, but we're not ready to rest until we can match teams to every 11th grade U.S. Government classroom in the Cleveland and East Cleveland schools. Our goal in 2019-20 is ensure that we continue to meet and exceed the call for volunteers for all classes, from students in new tech, to those in early college prep, to those who are just now learning English as new arrivals to our country. With your help, we can make sure all students in our local, urban public schools enjoy the benefits of legal leaders making a connection with them, teaching them about the law, and championing them as they prepare for life after high school. In as little as one hour a month for six lessons total, you can make a difference in the lives of young people in our community.
Together, we can make a major, positive change through the award-winning 3Rs program of the CMBA.
But how does The 3Rs work?
The 3Rs is a landmark program connecting lawyers, judges, law students, and paralegals with high school students in Cleveland and East Cleveland schools. Through a series of six in-person lessons during the regular school day, 3Rs volunteers help foster an understanding and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution, as well as share important information about how students can achieve their goals beyond high school. Volunteers are provided training and all lesson materials, plus support throughout the school year. In The 3Rs+ program, volunteers have further opportunities to connect with students beyond The 3Rs through field trips, mentoring, career shadowing, and other exciting community activities.
Using a unique, real-world curriculum provided by the CMBA, teams of volunteers from all areas of the legal community meet with students in the classroom to accomplish the
following goals:
- Improve understanding of and respect for the rule of law and our Constitution;
- Improve passage of civics content testing required for graduation;
- Provide practical career counseling to focus students on their potential beyond high school; and
- Improve the “pipeline” of minorities flowing into legal careers in the region.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Jessica Paine or call (216) 539-5982.
More than ever, Cleveland and East Cleveland public school students need the personal involvement of the community to help the students maximize their
potential both now and post-high school. The success of these students and the success of our region are mutually dependent. The Cleveland legal community
is well-positioned to make a profound impact by volunteering to serve in the schools.
The impact of 3Rs mentoring
Learn more about how The 3Rs has impacted the lives of countless students by watching video testimonials online here, or read more real-life stories below.