DONATE NOW
DONATE NOW

All Programs

  • PROGRAMS
ABOUT US

Discovering Justice Educational Programs

At Discovering Justice we believe civics is an essential component of every student’s education, starting as early as kindergarten. Our in-school, after-school, and in-courthouse programs provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the justice system and prepare for civic engagement by practicing key civic skills, such as perspective taking, empathy, public speaking and advocacy. By introducing K-12 students to the inner workings of the justice system we offer the chance to critically examine the concept of justice, both in our local communities and in our broader institutions and democracy. Additionally, Discovering Justice’s public programs invite both students and adults to experience the pursuit of justice through events and tours of the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, home to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

After-School Programs

We connect Massachusetts students with the legal community to explore the judicial system, learn case analysis and development, and practice the civic skills needed to persuasively convey their views and engage in our democracy as active citizens. Guided by legal partners and volunteer attorneys in our Mock Trial and Mock Appeal Programs, students engage in legal analysis, grapple with real constitutional issues, and practice developing legal arguments.

Mock Trial & Mock Appeal Program

After-school programs for Grades 6-8

In-School Programs

Discovering Justice in-school programs provide the curriculum, resources, and guides necessary for teachers to expand civic education opportunities into their classrooms. With curricula designed to support and enhance instruction, our programs focus on Massachusetts civic practice standards and provide students with the foundational knowledge, skills, dispositions, and language needed to be engaged, critical, compassionate, and active leaders of our democracy. Students explore topics of fairness, community, equity, and other themes of democracy and justice, while answering the essential question: what is justice and how do I use my voice to advocate for it?

Children Discovering Justice

Civics curriculum for Grades K-5

Mock Trial Mini Units

Mock trial curriculum for Grades 1-5

Topics Program

Topic-focused curriculum for Grades 7-12

Courthouse Programs

Through field trips, students explore the workings of the courthouse as well as the themes and ideals of justice and democracy through viewing, analyzing, and discussing key on-site features. Public courthouse tours provide the greater community with a unique look at the history and structure of this award-winning landmark, central to the judicial landscape of Boston. Finally, as part of Discovering Justice’s ongoing Courthouse Events Series, legal professionals and educators alike gather on a regular basis to discuss questions of democracy, justice, and civic education.

Field Trips

Guided courthouse visits for Grades K-12

Tours

Free courthouse tours open to the public

Events

Guest speakers, panels, and discussions

What's New

Volunteer

Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Alex has over fifteen years of administrative experience, most recently at Boston Schools Fund. Prior to her time at BSF, she served as an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Mother Caroline Academy, where she also provided major support to the Development office. Before her time at MCA, Alex served as an assistant at a media firm in Washington, DC.

This role oversees financial operations such as reconciliations, expense tracking, payroll, and donor acknowledgments, while managing organizational systems, employee records, and meeting coordination. It also provides event logistics, Board support, and office management, ensuring efficient processes, accurate recordkeeping, and the successful execution of programs, operations, and special events like the annual Spring Gala.

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Mehana Koch is a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a BA in Psychology. She joined Discovering Justice excited to learn about nonprofit operations and support an organization whose mission uplifts and empowers future engaged citizens.

At Discovering Justice, Mehana enjoys supporting both the administrative and fundraising needs of the organization. Her day-to-day work includes processing donations, reconciling accounting information, and maintaining a strong database. She also has played a large role in onboarding new staff and supporting large organization-wide events, such as the Annual Gala.

Bianca Lora

Bianca Lora is passionate about expanding access to civic education, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where young people can grow as informed and active members of their communities. With a background spanning across organizing, policy, and fundraising, she brings a collaborative spirit to the work.

Prior to this role, she led cross-departmental initiatives for donors at the ACLU of Massachusetts, including its 800-person annual gala. Bianca has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant for a Councilmember At-Large in Montgomery County, Maryland where she oversaw a legislative portfolio on government operations, economic development, public safety and social justice issues. She also launched an organizing campaign alongside the adjunct faculty at Prince George’s Community College with SEIU.