PROJECT REAL

Founded in 2005 by community leaders and philanthropists Irwin Molasky and Samuel S. Lionel, Project REAL is the result of their concerns about increasing juvenile crime rates, disrespect for authority, ignorance about the law and justice system, and an overall apathy about becoming an involved citizen. Project REAL provides law-related educational programs and materials at no cost to Nevada teachers and their students through four grade appropriate interactive programs:

Foundations of Democracy – a highly interactive program teaching elementary students the basic principles of authority, responsibility, privacy, and justice.

“The Foundations of Democracy program has reduced the number of office referrals of participating students.”- Clark County School District Principal

Your Day In Court – provides curriculum and coordinated visits to state and federal courts in Reno and Las Vegas. Students sit in on actual trials and visit with court personnel to get a real-life perspective of how the judicial system works.

“After putting the handcuffs on during the tour, my attitude changed. I don’t ever want to go to jail.”- 5th Grade Student

“I think what the students experienced will have a lifetime impact! I know the kids really had an extraordinary time…they could not stop talking about it!”- Washoe County School District Teacher

Play by the Rules – Teachers and law enforcement come together to educate middle school students about 200 Nevada specific laws that apply directly to their lives. The concept is simple, in order to hold kids accountable for their actions and choices, we must teach them the laws.

“I liked that the laws of Nevada were presented at my child’s level… It allowed open, honest discussions between my son and me.”- Parent

“This program is so pro-active and provides another way of keeping children and teens out of trouble.”- Clark County School District Teacher

“I am always impressed with the participation levels I receive from the students when teaching the class. I believe this is a result of the quality curriculum and the enthusiasm of those who teach it.”- Law Enforcement Officer

“I have learned that kids have as much responsibility as adults. Even the littlest thing can have a serious consequence.”- 7th Grade Student

REAL Drama – The first REAL Drama curriculum and play focuses on immigration. The play involves the common occurrence of a family of mixed status involved in the legal process. To prepare for the play, students study the history of U.S. immigration law, the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Justice and Homeland Security. The second REAL Drama focuses on the importance of protecting ones privacy. Students study privacy law and policy and how these directly affect their lives. In Clark County we are fortunate to be able to provide live performances with a cast of students from the Las Vegas Academy. In other school districts, students in the classes do the acting.

“I am so happy I had the chance to work with this amazing project. Thank you for taking care of me this year and for helping me stay motivated to graduate!”- REAL Drama Las Vegas Academy Actress

“The students were able to ask specific questions to an expert lawyer on immigration and get immediate answers. The play allowed for them to see all aspects of the law and the complexity of it all. Also, the students enjoyed hearing the performers’ individual relations with immigration and understanding that it is something that does affect many people in extreme ways.”- Clark County School District Teacher

Our goal is to provide top-quality engaging programs free of charge to any Nevada teacher or school that desires to use our materials as part of their social studies/civics/history/government/criminal justice curriculums. Studies show that when students are connected in the classroom, they have a higher capacity for learning, a better comprehension of right from wrong, and have a stronger potential to become concerned and involved citizens when they grow up. Project REAL’s ultimate vision is to help decrease juvenile crime rates, increase respect for authority, and instill a better understanding and appreciation of our laws and judicial system.

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