Could we take a youth program based on interaction and interpersonal connection, discussion and debate, skill-building, and immersion in professional and college environments, and do it all online?
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Hi <<First Name>>,
Thanks to the motivation, energy, and cooperative spirit of our students – all from first-generation and marginalized backgrounds – the answer was “Yes!” We provided our signature combination of empowering learning activities, professional internships, stipends, social and emotional support, and mentoring, all in a remote format. And our own program alumni made up 50% of our teaching staff!
The challenges of 2020 – tensions around the elections and the future of our democracy, renewed attention on racism and police violence, and the worldwide pandemic – made our civic engagement curriculum even more powerful and relevant. This year we also operated our school-year mock trial program online, and we continued mentoring our past program alumni.
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A few proud students at our Summer Graduation
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Thanks to your partnership, our students discovered their own unique gifts and their ability to change the world for the better.
More than 92% of our alumni attend higher education.
Many go on to activities and careers in public service, including public interest law, law enforcement, activism, social work, and education.
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Kiera joined the Summer Legal Fellowship Program in 2013, after her junior year in high school.
Her internship through the program was with her State Assemblymember, where she answered calls from the public and assisted with street fairs and outreach.
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At the end of the program, she shared these reflections:
"I grew up in neighborhoods where crime, prostitution and death rates are a big factor. I lost my father to gun violence when I was three years old. Growing up in Oakland, you have to know who you are and what you want out of life, or you may end up hanging with the wrong crowd and in trouble.
This program truly made a big impact on my life and influenced me to be myself and reach for the best.
It not only introduced me to other students who came from the same types of environments as myself, but I also networked with professionals that I met, and I am still connected with them today. It expanded my horizons for what I wanted to do with my future.
Since my summer in the program, I attended Mills College and graduated with a Bachelors’ Degree in Public Health and Health Equity. I also hold a Medical Assisting Certificate from Merritt College.
The Center for Youth Development through Law has meant a lot to me over these past years. I know if it wasn’t for you and all your motivation, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
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At the end of the program in 2013, Kiera described her goal as “giving back to my community.” She will now have the chance to do just that, as she will begin her training to become a Nurse in the upcoming semester.
Please make a tax-deductible donation to support these transformative opportunities for under-resourced youth!
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Center for Youth Development through Law
Operated in cooperation with UC Berkeley School of Law
Board of Directors
Anitha Anne, Attorney, Goodwin Procter LLP
Theresa Buckley, Attorney, California Public Utilities Commission
Creighton Davis, Attorney, Baker McKenzie LLP
Allyson Deraps, Associate Counsel, Burning Man Project
Hon. Danielle Douglas, Judge, Contra Costa County Superior Court
Natalie Friedman, Artist
Hon. Joni Hiramoto, Judge, Contra Costa County Superior Court
Su-Jin Lee, Attorney and Advisor to Startups
Christina Pehl, Educator
James G. Roberts, Attorney
Ariana Shaffer, Attorney, Cooley LLP
Ben Therriault, Police Detective, City of Richmond
Michael Wilson, Assistant Public Defender, Alameda County
Leadership Council
Brian Barsky
Ray Cardozo
Stanley Friedman
Ben Hamburg
Hon. Brenda Harbin-Forte
Hon. Barbara Lee
Melissa Nelken
Reginald Oh
Dorian Peters, Program Alumnus
Miriam Rokeach
Winslow O. Small
Executive Director
Nancy Schiff
nschiff@youthlawworks.org
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