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THE PESA POST

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Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action


December 19, 2024

SHAPING TOMORROW’S LEADERS IN JUSTICE

PESA Celebrates the Completion of Another Impactful Internship Program

PESA recently concluded its 10th fall semester college internship program, an enriching 11-week experience that provided participating students with invaluable insights into nonprofit work, juvenile justice, and professional development. This semester, 23 students participated, representing California State University, Northridge (CSUN), the University of Southern California (USC), UC Santa Cruz (UCSC), and Pasadena City College (PCC). 


The internship, structured to balance academic commitments and practical learning, included four workshops led primarily by PESA’s Executive Director, Seymour Amster, with one facilitated by guest speaker, Field Deputy, Rosie Avetisyan. Weekly office hours with PESA’s Internship Co-Directors Elizabeth Sosa and Stephanie Santillan offered interns opportunities to catch up on missed workshops or seek guidance on tasks such as police summaries, proctoring Teen Court sessions, and managing school-site responsibilities.


The program’s purpose was multifaceted. It aimed to equip students with fieldwork experience in diversion programs, foster skills in advocacy and mentorship, and build professional communication abilities. Interns engaged directly with judicial officers, youth, and educators at school sites, gaining firsthand knowledge of the juvenile justice system and preparation for careers in probation, criminal law, or related fields.


Nicole Ruelas, an intern with 27 years of experience in special education, brought a unique perspective to the program. Initially referred to PESA to assist with self-advocacy workshops for students with special needs, Nicole transitioned into criminal justice work through her involvement with the Teen Court program. “Once Seymour, Stephanie, and Elizabeth learned about my passion for criminal justice, they included me in the Teen Court process, and I loved it,” she shared. Nicole’s ability to connect with students, honed through years of working in high schools, made her an invaluable mentor. “I wasn’t there to judge. I wanted to understand their interests and goals and see how I could help them move forward.”

Christian Herrera, a USC freshman majoring in Political Science, focused on proctoring Teen Court sessions at Fremont High School and preparing students for mock trials. Reflecting on the disparities in educational resources across Los Angeles County, Herrera noted, “There’s a big difference in the quality of education and life, even though Whittier and South Central are both in the same county. There’s a lot that can be fixed.” Despite these challenges, he was inspired by the resilience of the students. “Even though the students don’t have the same resources I did, they still had the will and desire to make a change and put in the effort.”


The fall internship cohort exemplifies PESA’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in criminal justice and beyond. By fostering a supportive environment for students to learn, grow, and make a difference, PESA continues to uphold its mission of empowering communities and transforming lives.



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