Former Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris,
Giving the Keynote at CYDL's 2007 Graduation
Our Impact at a Glance
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More than 1,000 youth have graduated from CYDL's Life-changing programs
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More than 95% of CYDL's summer program alumni subsequently attend higher education
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At least 30 CYDL alumni have pursued advanced degrees
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Eight CYDL alumni have become members of the California Bar, and three are currently attending law school
Help us Launch our
Future Leaders in
2026 –
Support our
Year-end campaign!
Donate now!
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Watch our short film
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Thank you to all of our supporters,
especially our 25th Anniversary
Event Sponsors:
Raymond Cardozo
Charles Houston Bar Association
Witkin Charitable Foundation​
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CYDL’s programs immerse East Bay youth from first-generation and marginalized backgrounds in environments that might otherwise seem inaccessible: classes and activities on the U.C. Berkeley campus and internships in law, government, and social justice offices. ​​
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Our individualized support, social/emotional learning curriculum, stipends, and ongoing mentoring enable the youth to flourish in these environments and beyond. Our participants also engage deeply with community issues that are relevant to their lives.
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More than 95% of our program participants go on to attend higher education! Many also use our program as a springboard to civic engagement and careers in law, education, community service, and social justice.
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Our Programs
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Summer Legal Fellowship Program: A full-time, two-month program including paid internships; classes on the UC Berkeley campus; exploration of law, social justice, and civic engagement; social and emotional learning; and college and career development activities.
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Mentoring: Participants receive ongoing guidance in their college and career pursuits, and in turn have the opportunity to mentor younger students and become part of CYDL leadership. They join our supportive community of program alumni and professionals, which provides long-lasting support system.
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Mock Trial Program: Diverse legal professionals provide intensive coaching and mentoring in high schools in Richmond, preparing students for an annual county-wide mock trial competition and fostering their academic skills, career aspirations and self-confidence.