Youth Summer Institute at CUNY Law

Led by students from the most diverse law school in the nation, this four-week program invites youth to engage with models of civic engagement, youth empowerment, social justice, and community advocacy to reimagine a more representative justice system.

Held at CUNY Law, the Youth Summer Institute will feature a curriculum taught by current law students, augmented by panels, discussions, and workshops featuring CUNY Law alumni who have gone on to use their public interest degrees as tools for social good.

Mentoring Program

Beginning in Fall of 2024, First Impressions will bring young people together with legal professionals in a mentoring program designed to foster connection and highlight careers and callings dedicated to justice. Through this innovative initiative, local youth will have the opportunity to engage with attorneys, judges, and other legal experts, gaining valuable insights into the legal system and the diverse paths available to those passionate about making a difference. By cultivating meaningful relationships between mentors and mentees, First Impressions aims to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and inspire the next generation of justice advocates.

Credit to AIME Mentoring Visit https://www.aimementoring.com/ for more information.

After School Programming

With the start of the 2024-25 school year, First Impressions will work with a community partner to provide specialized out-of-school-time programming to middle and high school students in community settings. The program will empower youth through civic leadership opportunities and opportunities for social justice advocacy.

The community partner will provide youth programs that draw upon the skills, resources, and experiences of various professionals and soon-to-be professionals from disciplines within the CUNY Law community. The curricula will leverage CUNY Law’s expertise to teach and empower youth to understand their agency and potential to work toward equity and justice within their community.

First Impressions curricula shall include instruction in governmental structure, civic literacy, methods of public participation in the democratic process, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and youth empowerment as exercised within the community setting.