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More than 700 youth have graduated from CYDL's Summer Program

More than 92% of CYDL alumni subsequently attend higher education

At least 20 CYDL alumni have pursued advanced degrees

Seven CYDL alumni have become members of the California Bar

The 2022 CYDL

Yearbook is out!

Click here!

Meet CYDL Alumni:

Profile of Luis

Profile of Perla


Read a recent newsletter:
Mentoring, Mock Trial, and

Alumna joining the Board!


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

  • 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.

  • Mentoring: Participants receive guidance in their college and career pursuits, and in turn have the opportunity to mentor younger students.

  • 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.

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