Determined to Rise Patch Program
Explore the world of law through engaging in-home curriculum. Students can earn custom embroidered patches to mark their completion of hands-on experiences related to legal reasoning, advocacy, public speaking, digital rights, and the justice system.
Learning That Builds Confidence
Originally developed for middle school students, the Patch Program is recommended for grades 6-8 and is easily adaptable for a variety of youth groups and learning environments.
Students will explore:
• Leadership & advocacy
• Government & civil engagement
• Digital rights & technology
• Women in law & leadership
• Justice systems & legal reasoning
How It Works
Choose a Patch (or complete them all!)
Request the Curriculum
Complete the Activities
Submit Your Completion Form
Receive Your Patches
To celebrate the launch of the Determined to Rise Patch program, the first 100 students to complete a patch curriculum will receive their embroidered patch free of charge.
Explore the Patch Series
Lady Justice
Understand how government works and how your rights are protected.
Legal Thinker
Learn how to think like a lawyer through legal challenges and mock trials.
Legal Innovator
Explore the inspiring stories about innovative women in law.
Change Maker
Build confidence in public speaking and advocacy to speak up on issues that matter.
Bridge Builder
Learn how local government works at local, state, and federal levels and how you can participate in your community.
Digital Defender
Understand your rights online and how law impacts current and new technology like AI.
Legal Pathmaker
Start imagining your own path and impact in the legal field.
Featured Activities
These activities bring legal concepts to live in ways that are fun, memorable and empowering for students.
Participating in a mock trial: Create arguments, evaluate evidence, and practice courtroom skills.
Public speaking: Deliver speeches and build confidence.
Civic Challenge: Learn how government works by solving real-world problems.
Digital Safety: Understand privacy, online rights, and responsible technology use.
Bill of Rights: Create your own classroom Bill of Rights.
Program Goals
- Increase awareness of legal careers and foundational legal concepts
- Build public speaking, advocacy, and critical-thinking skills
- Encourage civic participation and leadership
- Celebrate diverse women and students of color in the legal profession
Determined to Rise gives students the language, tools, and community to use their voices powerfully.
Support the Program
Help us create engaging learning experiences for middle school students while showcasing your commitment to innovation, education, and community impact.
Please contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities.
Ready to Experience Determined to Rise in Person?
This free, one-day academy in law and leadership features fun workshops, interactive activities, and the chance to meet real law students, attorneys, and lawmakers. Students get the chance to practice their legal skills, learn about the justice system, and see themselves as future members of the legal profession.
Determined to Rise is open to students in grades 6-8.
From aspiring attorneys to seasoned professionals, Ms. JD helps women in law find community and opportunity at every stage in their career.
Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed primarily of attorneys in their first ten years of practice, Ms. JD has a strong national presence, impacting thousands of women through its signature programs. What began as shared experiences among law students has grown into a national movement.
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