OJEN’s Apps for Justice Challenge pilot program wrapped up last month with six schools entering final submissions in the competition.
The program was developed in partnership with the University of Ottawa’s (uOttawa) Faculty of Law. It incorporates content from the Access to Justice Legal Apps Challenge Modules, a uOttawa “mini course”. University of Ottawa law school students worked with OJEN to design a multi-session program that combines legal information with technology. While learning about some of the common access to justice issues faced by Ontarians, high school students were encouraged to think creatively about how technology can help.
Student teams worked on the Apps for Justice Challenge throughout the spring. The culminating event was The Final Pitch where legal and education-sector professionals gave feedback and encouragement on each of the entries.
The results exceeded expectations! Each pitch offered something unique, creative, and meaningful to help address a barrier to access to justice.
The winning app, “Law 4 All”, came from Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute. Their pitch took a very well-executed autoethnographic approach to access to justice, and their process included consultations with community members. The presentation was articulate, clear, and cohesive.
An honourable mention went to “Artists in Despair” from Monarch Park Collegiate Institute.
Thank you very much to all the students and teachers who participated in the pilot.