“At CUNY Law, we see civic education and community advocacy not as extras, but as essentials. Our mission is to expand access to legal education and to diversify the profession so that it includes and reflects the next generation of leaders from across our communities. That’s exactly what First Impressions is about.”
– Dean Sudha Setty
First Impressions held its second annual reception on May 9, 2025 to highlight the success of its 2024 summer institute for high school students. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, City Council member Julie Won, and Sal Morello, Chief of Staff for State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, ’12, Dean Sudha Setty, and Director Hon. Tracey A Bing ret.’96, addressed law student teachers, program leaders, law students, judges, and program supporters at CUNY Law School.
“The First Impressions summer program continues to transform the lives of New York City high school students. Our amazing law students share their passion and experience as they teach the students about the constitution, social justice, and the law. The summer program provides an inspiring and inclusive space for young people and law students to exchange ideas about building a more inclusive and representative justice system. I remain excited to see our alumni return to share their experiences and wisdom. Our high school students leave the summer program with the knowledge, tools, and passion to become leaders in their schools and communities. CUNY Law School is the perfect place to train and inspire our future leaders to uphold our motto of “law in the service of human needs.”
– Hon. Tracey A. Bing, ’96, Director of the First Impressions Youth Legal Collaborative
The event was emceed by Ian Oduro, a rising 3L student and First Impressions teacher in the 2024 summer program. Advocates and allies celebrated First Impressions alongside elected officials in a demonstration of the legal community’s support for mentorship, justice, and civic engagement. Honored guests included Hon. Edwina Richardson ‘88, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives, NYS Unified Courts, and Hon. Gayle P. Roberts, Acting Supreme Court Justice, Bronx County.
Senator Jamaal T. Bailey ’12 and Governor Kathy Hochul provide support for the First Impressions Youth Legal Collaborative. Senator Bailey ’12, a CUNY Law alum and an early champion of the First Impressions program, reflected on the importance of civic education.
“Civic education and youth advocacy are essential to building a more informed, engaged, and equitable society. Programs like First Impressions exemplify the power of civic education and youth advocacy in action. Introducing high school students to the foundations of law through summer courses taught by passionate CUNY Law students not only sparks interest in legal careers but also serves as an agent of change in the community. I extend my gratitude to the exceptional leadership of Dean Sudha Setty and Professor Hon. Tracey Bing, who continue to expand access and prepare the next generation to lead with purpose, justice, and vision.”
– State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, ‘12
The reception was also an opportunity to announce plans for the 2025 summer program. Six law students will teach high school students a curriculum focused on civic literacy, leadership, and social justice advocacy. Additional programming is being finalized for 2025. You can learn more about the program on the First Impressions website.
See our gallery of photo highlights below:
CUNY Law leaders, elected officials, and the legal community celebrated the success of the 2024 First Impressions summer institute and announced the 2025 program plans, highlighting civic education, leadership, and social justice advocacy through law student-led instruction for high schoolers.