Eastern North Carolina – November 25, 2024 – NC East Alliance’s education and workforce development initiative, STEM East, has proudly announced its pivotal role in expanding the mock trial program for high schools in the region. Partnering with the North Carolina Mock Trial Program and the North Carolina Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism, STEM East recently provided funding to launch seven new mock trial teams across eastern North Carolina, raising the total number of teams in the region from five to twelve.

Patrick Miller, Assistant Director of STEM East, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “I am pleased that STEM East has been able to deliver critical financial support for high schools in our region to start Mock Trial teams. These teams provide opportunities for our students to develop their public speaking and critical thinking skills, as well as enabling students to gain the civic understanding, self-confidence, analytical reasoning, and communications skills that are vital for our region’s future leaders.”

Mock trial programs provide students with real-world insights into the judicial process, enhancing critical skills essential for future workforce success. Through these programs, students learn the art of public speaking, develop logical reasoning abilities, and engage in team-building exercises that prepare them for diverse career paths. The skills gained through mock trial participation complement STEM East’s mission to guide local talent toward local career opportunities by fostering a well-rounded skill set applicable to various industries, including law, public service, and beyond.

The expansion was achieved in close collaboration with NC Mock Trial Executive Director Jerry Smith and Jimbo Perry, Executive Director of the North Carolina Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism (CJCP). Their shared commitment to cultivating student potential has ensured that eastern North Carolina students will benefit from enriched educational experiences. The schools that received funding to start a Mock Trial program are Mattamuskeet School, Ocracoke School, Perquimans High School, Hertford High School, Northside High School, Washington High School and Bertie County Schools.

Jerry Smith says “We are excited to expand our program into new areas and new public schools in Eastern North Carolina. With the help of STEM East and the CJCP, we are now able to reach students in areas considered legal deserts.  In addition to the benefits mentioned by Dr. Miller, our hope is that some students enjoy their experience in court enough that they may one day pursue a career in law and return to their hometowns to practice.”