Youth Law Academy

Youth Law Academy: A Diversity Pipeline

The Youth Law Academy (YLA) supports youth in achieving academic excellence and pursuing educational and professional opportunities in the law. This three-year intensive after-school program for Oakland teens includes leadership development, mentoring with judges and attorneys, college application assistance, financial aid application assistance, SAT preparation and a mock trial.

The first 25 YLA program graduates are all attending college full-time. Centro Legal continues to support these students in college by providing college scholarships, mentoring and case management. Scholarship funds are provided through a generous grant from the College Access Foundation of California.

“Being a part of the Youth Law Academy was not just something to fill up my college application – it became like a second family to me.” – Czarina Mae Badilla

As a student of color in the Oakland, I have already surpassed many barriers and obstacles in my life. This program has helped me so much.” – Richard Hervey, Jr.