Participants in the new Worcester Tiered Community Mentoring Program conduct a discussion group.
The Massachusetts Bar Association’s Tiered Community Mentoring (TCM) Program officially expanded to Worcester with a kickoff event at the Worcester Regional Judicial Center on October 27.
Launched in Boston nine years ago, the MBA’s TCM Program gives high school, undergraduate and law school students access to legal professionals, an understanding of the legal profession and an awareness of the career opportunities available. The 2017-18 academic year marks the first time the program has been offered in Worcester.
After opening remarks from Worcester TCM chair Geoffrey E. Spofford, Hon. Angela M. Ordoñez, chief justice of the Probate and Family Court, spoke about the origin of the program and the mentorship cycle of paying it forward.
“You’re going to receive a lot of support here and mentoring. Someday in your future, you need to give it up to someone else,” said Chief Justice Ordoñez. “You need to be able to give back what you got.”
Keynote speakers at the event were Hon. Daniel M. Wrenn, associate justice, Massachusetts Superior Court; Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.; and Stephanie K. Fattman, register, Worcester County Probate and Family Court. Paying it forward was also a common theme in their remarks.
“Everyday, as people mentor and influence you, remember, you need to pay it forward,” said Early. “You’re going to have that influence over other people whether you realize it or not.”
Following the presentations, participants broke into groups for a discussion and a public speaking exercise, and they chose their team names.
Participating schools in Worcester are Burncoat High School, Worcester State University, Quinsigamond Community College and Western New England University School of Law.