Our Programs
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris,
Giving the Keynote at CYDL's 2007 Graduation
Almost 800 youth have graduated from CYDL's Summer Program
More than 95% of CYDL alumni subsequently attend higher education
At least 24 CYDL alumni have pursued advanced degrees
Eight CYDL alumni have become members of the California Bar
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in 2025!
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Read Imahni's Story
Watch our short film
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Thank you to 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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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. They become part of a 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.