Pitt Senior Zach Patton Uses Grant to Continue Courthouse Kids

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh’s Outside the Classroom Curriculum awarded senior Zach Patton a $1,500 grant to continue his work with Courthouse Kids, a non-profit program inspiring youth civic engagement.

Patton, a double major in communication and rhetoric and philosophy, created the free program in 2012 while interning for Armstrong County District Attorney Scott Andreassi.  Its emphasis on early education makes Courthouse Kids the only local program of its kind. Patton is expecting 100 children to participate in this year's event.

“If children are knowledgeable of not only the consequences of breaking the law, but also how the laws are made and enforced, young people will be better equipped to influence our community for the better,” said Patton.

Courthouse Kids utilizes experiential learning and takes participants on an interactive tour of the Armstrong County’s “haunted” jail, invites them to interact with local elected officials, and teaches them about the legal process. The next session will be held August 9 at noon.

Courthouse Kids, which is staffed by volunteers, is funded by donations from local businesses, the Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office, and the University of Pittsburgh.  For more information about this event or to register, contact the Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office at 724-548-3240.

www.facebook.com/pages/Courthouse-Kids/163192987192225

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8/7/13/mab