One standout moment involved a senior from Antelope Valley High School who connected with a judge about a future internship. “That was a really cool moment for me to see that student made a direct connection to start his career straight out of high school,” said Schmit.
In addition to providing career insights, the event fostered dialogue about the complex relationship between youth and law enforcement. “There is tension, especially with everything teenagers are seeing on social media. This event provides a safe space for students to voice their concerns directly to law enforcement,” Schmit explained.
Events like Youth for Justice not only offer tangible career opportunities but also help break stereotypes, build trust, and create pathways for underrepresented students in fields like criminal justice. “Out here in the Antelope Valley, we hear a lot about engineering and trades, but it’s not as common to get direct access to fields like law. We wanted to provide that space,” Schmit emphasized.
The success of Youth for Justice serves as a model for future community-driven initiatives, empowering the next generation to make meaningful connections and pursue impactful careers. “To potentially provide a life-changing career path or connection for these students is probably one of the most important things for us,” Schmit concluded.
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