YOUTH LAW ACADEMY
About The Program
The Youth Law Academy is a three year program for Oakland high school students designed to build confidence and understanding of the path to college. Recognizing the need for more diversity in the legal profession we ultimately hope to inspire our students to seek a career in the law for the betterment of our community.
Learn about the legal system
Participate in a mock trial
Participate in ethnic studies through the law seminars
Introduced to critical issues and injustices in the legal system
Receive a free SAT preparation course and college and financial aid advising
Receive supplemental support after the completion of the program as they embark into college
Be part of YLA!
YLA Admission Requirements:
Candidates must be a Freshman at the time of their application. The program begins in the fall of their 10th grade year (Fall 2021-2022 academic school year)
Currently attending an Oakland High School (Charter, District, Private, etc.) and currently an Oakland Resident
Candidate must know they want to attend college upon high school graduation
Candidate must be self-initiated and committed to completing program requirements
Diversity Legal Pipeline
Diversity in the legal profession is an ongoing issue. Together, Black people and Latinos make up nearly 45% of California population, yet only comprise about 7% of the state bar. The Diversity Legal Pipeline (DLP) seeks to increase diversity in the law by providing law-school bound undergraduates of color with the information, experience and advising necessary to be successful in the law school application process.
The DLP is an intensive, week long pre-law bootcamp that introduces students to the law school application process and puts them face to face with law students, lawyers, and judges who affirm that a legal education is within their reach. During one week from June 10-14, students will participate in a mock constitutional law class, take an actual LSAT, read real court cases, and have plenty of time to meet and network with other students and legal professionals. After the bootcamp, students are offered supplemental support to assist them on their path to law school.
Special Thanks to Our Youth Law Academy Funders
Clark R. Smith Family Foundation
“DLP was important to me because it provided the career support I needed to believe in my capabilities and understand the legal landscape.”
“The Diversity Legal Pipeline showed me that there are amazing people who are fighting, advocating, and doing the hard work that needs to be done in order for their communities to be able to live. It was inspiring to be able to connect with empowering people who are working with communities of color in the legal field in creative and impactful ways.”
“My dream is to become a criminal defense attorney, therefore, after I graduate from San Francisco State University, I plan on going to law school. A year ago though, I wouldn’t know where to have started, and now I feel more prepared because I know all the steps I need to take. I really think that other students that want to go to law school should join this program as well because it’s very helpful and very useful. The DLP is one of the best programs I’ve been in.”