Join us in Launching our
Future Leaders in 2021 –
Donate Now!
Read the story of an alum from 2013
and our year-end message
Hear California Attorney General
Xavier Becerra's keynote speech
Hear Reflections of a 2020 participant
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.
See 2020 Program Graduation highlights
and our 2019 Summer Program Yearbook
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.
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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 throughout West Contra Costa County, preparing students for an annual county-wide competition and fostering their academic skills, aspirations and self-confidence.