Wayne State University Law School Empowers Future Leaders Through C2 Pipeline Summer Programs
DETROIT — Wayne State University Law School, in collaboration with the C2 Pipeline program and other WSU departments, hosted two transformative summer camps that inspired and prepared the next generation of entrepreneurs and legal professionals. These programs, centered on hands-on, project-based learning, provided Metro Detroit students with invaluable experiences aimed at promoting college and career readiness.
Building on the success of last year’s focus on criminal, constitutional, and business law, the 2024 summer programs expanded to offer two new experiences: one on entrepreneurship and product pitching, and another focused on mock trial skills.
Entrepreneurship: Create and Pitch Your Own Product
In partnership with the Mike Ilitch School of Business, the Entrepreneurship Camp introduced students to the dynamic world of business and entrepreneurship. Students were guided through the process of developing a product idea and pitching it to a panel of judges.
Over four days (July 15-18), students received comprehensive instruction on the fundamentals of business law and entrepreneurship. Mike Ilitch Associate Professor of Teaching in Management Gary Shields led the sessions, covering essential elements of starting a business. Wayne Law Assistant Professor and Director of the Business and Community Law Clinic Maya Watson provided insights into business entities, legal considerations, contracts, and brand protection with assistance from Graduate and Undergraduate Legal Programs Technician Lindsey Jemison, J.D., and Wayne Law Admissions Office Fellow Kayla Blackburn, J.D.
A highlight of the camp was a special guest session with the owner of Wayne State Blimpie Subs Nick Sleiman, who shared real-world experiences in entrepreneurship.
The camp concluded with students pitching their innovative product ideas, highlighting their creativity, and newly acquired entrepreneurial skills.
"The energy and creativity that these students brought to the table were nothing short of inspiring,” Wayne Law Academic Services Officer I and Community Education Outreach Coordinator Ryan Doss said. “Watching them pitch their ideas with such confidence was a testament to their hard work and the knowledge they gained."
Objection! Mock Trial Camp
Held from August 5-8, the Mock Trial Camp provided students with an immersive experience in the legal field. As the larger of the two programs, it saw high demand, leading to increased capacity to accommodate eager participants.
Facilitated by Wayne Law's Mock Trial Team, with significant contributions from Commissioner Hannah Berghol, the camp offered students a deep dive into the justice system. Students worked in teams to analyze a criminal case and participated in a mini-mock trial tournament.
"The C2 Pipeline Mock Trial summer program was an amazing experience,” Berghol said. “I am honored to have worked with the C2 Pipeline program to bring local high school students a comprehensive mock trial learning experience. The students were passionate, talented, and eager to learn! I look forward to seeing the future success of the students and this program!"
The program featured sessions led by legal professionals, including Wayne Law Assistant Professor and Director of Externships Dan Ellman, who spoke about the role of a public defender, and Director of Employment Analytics and Bar Success Dean Michel, who guided crafting compelling closing arguments. Students also took a field trip to the 36th District Court, where they observed real court proceedings and engaged with Judge Shawn K. Jacque about landlord-tenant cases.
"My favorite part has been the mock trial,” Cass Technical High School senior Karli Bell said. “Besides the trial itself, I really enjoyed visiting the 36th District Court and witnessing a real trial. It was an experience most people don’t get."
To ensure inclusivity, the camp was designed so that every student had a speaking role during the mock trial, fostering a collaborative environment and allowing all participants to experience the thrill of courtroom drama.
“By the end of the camp, many students expressed a strong desire to pursue a career in law,” Doss said. “It was incredible to see how quickly the students grasped complex legal concepts and applied them in the mock trial. Their enthusiasm was contagious."
A Bright Future Ahead
Wayne Law's summer programs introduced students to business and law and provided them with essential skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork. These hands-on, engaging experiences left a lasting impact on the participants, many of whom now have a clearer vision for their future careers.
“This mock trial camp was the most interactive and thought-provoking,” three-time camp participant and senior Dominic Warwick said. " The trial and the build-up leading to it were both a great learning experience."
As the programs continue to grow and evolve, Wayne Law remains committed to fostering college and career readiness among Metro Detroit students, empowering them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
To see more highlights from Wayne Law's C2 Pipeline camps visit our digital gallery.
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Contact: Jessica Taylor
Phone: 313-577-4834
Email: gp5272@wayne.edu