Local Central Penn College student attends law school prep program

SUMMERDALE, PA (06/05/2012)(readMedia)-- Central Penn College legal studies students, Krystal Padula, of Scranton, Pa., and Sharae Williams, of Harrisburg, Pa., were recently accepted to attend Widener University School of Law's Jurist Academy Program as part of a partnership between Central Penn and Widener. Padula and Williams will participate in the Jurist Academy, a law school prep program for rising college juniors and seniors from Tuesday, May 29, to Friday, June 8.

"We are so pleased to have several highly-respected law firms, lawyers and organizations, including Central Penn College, partnering with us on this endeavor," says Widener Dean Linda Ammons.

The Jurist Academy is a tuition-free, two-week program that offers students the opportunity to experience law school before attending. Designed to increase diversity in law school admissions, the Jurist Academy consists of law school admission test preparation and practice testing, (LSAT) introductory coursework with personalized feedback and conversations with members of the bench and bar. Central Penn College requires legal studies students interested in applying to the Jurist Academy and attending law school in the near future, to possess a 3.0 grade point average and have completed a minimum of 60 college credits.

Williams plans to attend law school upon graduation and become an attorney. Her role model is Judge Deborah Curcillo-Williams' current supervisor, who hired her at the Dauphin County Courthouse after receiving a recommendation from Central Penn Paralegal Professor Randi Teplitz. Williams acknowledges that Curcillo is a very hard worker and a prime example that if you work hard enough in life, you will get what you want.

"The Jurist Academy will provide me with preparation and insight for law school," says Williams. "This is a great opportunity to network with professors and deans."

Padula would like to attend Widener for law school after she receives her bachelor's degree and study to become a criminal lawyer and ultimately a district attorney.

"All of my classes at Central Penn College prepared me for Widener," says Padula. "Professors Donley and Teplitz both made an impact on my career choice."

"The legal studies curriculum stresses the importance of critical thinking, writing, analysis and reading. While students also learn substantive law, the common thread through our program is the emphasis on practical analytical skills," says Teplitz. "By emphasizing these skills in an undergraduate curriculum, Central Penn students are provided with a unique foundation that will support their success in the Jurist Academy program, graduate school and their future careers."

Central Penn College has been helping students turn potential into career success since 1881, offering bachelor's and associate degrees in the fields of accounting, business administration, criminal justice, information technology, communications, healthcare, homeland security and legal studies. The College, currently serving students at its Harrisburg, Lancaster and Lehigh Valley locations, attributes its high rate of student success to a caring faculty and its hands-on learning approach. Based on Central Penn's most recent One-Year Graduate Survey, 83.7 percent of graduates were employed in their chosen field or continuing their education within one year of graduation. Central Penn College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. www.centralpenn.edu

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