SHARE:  
Contact Us: (800) 894-7201

THE PESA POST

The latest news, views and announcements from

Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action


November 21, 2024

YOUTH FOR JUSTICE

Antelope Valley’s Brightest Explore Careers in Justice

The Youth for Justice event, held at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds on November 14-15, provided an exciting opportunity for hundreds of local high school students to explore careers in criminal justice. Organized by Future Leaders California with key support from sister organization PESA and the Antelope Valley Union High School District, the event aimed to provide marginalized youth with unparalleled access to resources and mentorship opportunities in the field.


The two-day event welcomed around 400 students from high schools across the Antelope Valley while also bringing together professionals from local, state, and federal agencies for students to hear from diverse fields of the criminal justice system. "The students were really engaged and excited. Many of them shared how eye-opening it was to learn about these career paths and to meet professionals who took the time to connect with them. For some, it was the first time they felt like these opportunities were within reach,” said India Schmit, PESA’s Educational Life Coach in the Antelope Valley.


The event featured hands-on workshops that highlighted different aspects of criminal justice. From learning about traffic safety and impaired driving from the Lancaster Police Department to courtroom basics led by local judges and attorneys, students were immersed in interactive sessions. “They brought out their impairment goggles and tricycles, and the students got to see how different it really is trying to function when you’re impaired,” Schmit noted, adding that the courtroom basics workshop remains a student favorite every year for the past three. 


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.



If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us

CLICK HERE TO DONATE! 
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Youtube