Our History

In 1982, the Michigan Center for Civic Education (MCCE) was founded as the Michigan Law-Related Education Project by a consortium of organizations which included the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan State Police, Michigan State University College of Education, Oakland Schools and the State Bar of Michigan.

Since its inception, MCCE has served as the state coordinator for national civic and law-related education programs. Over the past thirty years, we have built an energetic and cost-effective organization that utilizes the power of an experienced staff and a large group of committed volunteers to support its programs, events and publications.

Our Programs have included:

Professional Development for Teachers

Authentic Assessment in Law-Related Civic Education
Civics and Law Institutes
Educating for Citizenship, an annual conference
Leadership Training—Civic Education training of trainers
Professional Development targeted to district needs
Social Studies Development Project
Teaching Law in High School Project

Academic Competitions and Student Programs

Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation
i-Civics
Michigan High School Mock Trial tournament
Project Citizen
Student courts
Teens, Crime and the Community
We the people…the Citizen and the Constitution
Youth Law Conference
Youth Summit

Development of K-12 Materials

Special Projects

Assisted with the development of Civics and Government Standards, Benchmarks, and Grade Level Content Expectations;
Clearinghouse for best practices in law-related and civic education programs
Directed the Michigan Civic Mission of Schools Campaign
Conducted Civility in Government, a public forum
Civitas: International Civic Education Exchange Program
Classroom TLC: Teachers Lawyers Children in Partnership
Incentive Grant Program
Law-Enforcement/Teacher Partnership Program

Testimonial

Thanks for the time and effort that is put into this by all of the lawyer volunteers and you, the folks at the center. What a great program. All parents tell me: “I wish they had this when I was in school.

Mock Trial Teacher Coach

Mock Trial provides high school students with an opportunity to learn about the legal system and develop skills that will be beneficial to any future career choice.

Mock Trial Lawyer Coach

High school students gain an impressive amount of knowledge about their government and history through this program. Their participation will make them better, more informed citizens down the road.

We the People Judge

"This is the only conference I consistently attend. I always get re-inspired to go teach. The conference provides a great opportunity to network with other civics, government and law teachers to share ideas and get new ones!"

Emily Sanchez

This program has been one of the greatest experiences of my high school career.

High School Student

We the People has expanded my speaking abilities, as well as my confidence in front of others. I felt proud of my opening essay, as well as my ability to back up my beliefs.

Mock Trial Teacher

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education in

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An organization solely dedicated to preparing active and informed members of society.