U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris,
Giving the Keynote at CYDL's 2007 Graduation
More than 600 youth have graduated from CYDL's summer program
More than 92% of CYDL alumni subsequently attend higher education
At least 18 CYDL alumni have pursued advanced degrees
Six CYDL alumni are members of the California Bar
Congratulations to
our 2021
Program Graduates!
Thank you to those who joined us at our online graduation, and to our keynote speaker, Keith Wattley
Click here for Graduation highlights
Donate to support our students!
Hear graduation remarks from a few of our 2021 participants
CYDL’s programs immerse East Bay youth who are first-generation and/or from marginalized communities 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.
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.
More than 92% of our program participants go on to attend higher education! Many also use our program as a springboard to civic engagement and careers in community service and social justice.
Our Programs
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Summer Legal Fellowship Program: A full-time, two-month program including paid internships, classes on the UC Berkeley School of Law campus, law and social justice curriculum, social and emotional learning, and college and career development. In 2020 and 2021, we operated our program in an online format.
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Mentoring: Participants receive guidance in their college and career pursuits, and in turn have the opportunity to mentor younger students.
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Mock Trial Program: Diverse legal professionals provide intensive coaching and mentoring in high schools in West Contra Costa County, preparing students for an annual county-wide competition and fostering their academic skills, aspirations and self-confidence.