Mock Trial Diversity Initiative Presented by Krieg DeVault

Goal and Purpose

The Mock Trial Diversity Initiative (MTDI), Presented by Krieg DeVault, began in the summer of 2021 to retain, expand, and diversify participating schools in the Indiana Mock Trial program by reducing financial and systemic barriers to participation.

The program focuses on under-resourced schools with a large population of students of color.

The Indiana Bar Foundation will partner with MTDI schools to offer:

  • Grants to fund costs associated with Mock Trial, including but not limited to: teacher stipends, transportation, food, business clothing, supplies, registration fee, lodging, sub pay, and technology.
    • Grants begin at $2,500 with additional funding for those advancing to the state competition
  • Training at Introduction to Mock Trial Workshops
    • Professional Developments are scheduled in the Fall.
  • Resources for teachers and students to learn mock trial, including introduction videos, graphic organizers, lesson plans, standards alignment document, past mock trial cases, annotated video of a mock trial
  • Local Legal Advisor Assistance through partnerships with Indiana law firms

Eligibility

Schools that have a student population of at least 40% non-white and 40% free/reduced lunch are eligible to participate as a MTDI school.

Note: The Indiana Bar Foundation has used data available from the Indiana Department of Education for its stats. Schools that do not have their demographic data publicly available on the Indiana Department of Education website or are close to these metric points should still apply and have a conversation with Foundation Director of Civic Education Tim Kalgreen regarding your circumstances.

Application

To be part of the Mock Trial Diversity Initiative Presented by Krieg DeVault, please complete the application form. The application includes:

  • Teacher name, school name, address, phone
  • Download principal affirmation
  • Budget (sample budget included)

The application deadline is December 31, 2023.

Any questions or concerns with the application can be directed to Tim Kalgreen.

Mock Trial Diversity Initiative Link

Sponsors and Partners

The Indiana Bar Foundation is proud to partner with these law firms and organizations for the Mock Trial Diversity Initiative Presented by Krieg DeVault. If you or your organization are interested in being a MTDI sponsor, please contact Foundation Director of Development Kim Berry.