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Queens County

ADOPT-A-CLASS

The Adopt-A-Class Program was designed for middle-school students and includes teaching tools developed by the New York State Bar Association’s Law, Youth and Citizenship Program and the New York State Education Department to help students better understand the role of the judiciary in our society and master the fundamental concepts of justice and fairness.

Contact: Patricia Parker, 646-386-4711, pparker@courts.state.ny.us

Who is eligible? Middle-school students in Bronx, Queens and Kings Counties.

How to apply: Educational institutions and individuals can contact Patricia Parker, 646-386-4711, to inquire about program availability.

Program Schedule: School Year

CENTER FOR COURT INNOVATION
SUMMER LAW & GRADUATE SCHOOL INTERNSHIPS

The Center for Court Innovation is accepting applications for its Summer 2009 Law School Internship Program. Founded as a public/private partnership between the New York State Unified Court System and the Fund for the City of New York, the Center for Court Innovation is a non-profit think tank that helps courts and criminal justice agencies aid victims, reduce crime and improve public trust in justice. The Center combines action and reflection to spark problem-solving innovation locally and nationally. In New York, the Center functions as the court system's independent research and development arm, creating demonstration projects that test new ideas, such as community courts, drug courts, reentry courts, domestic violence courts, and mental health courts.

Roles and responsibilities: Summer interns will work closely with project staff to conduct legal and policy-based research and may participate in other projects on problem-solving justice initiatives related to juvenile justice policy, drug courts, community courts, and community outreach and engagement programs. Interns will have opportunities to visit and observe problem-solving courts throughout New York City and to meet with prominent justice system stakeholders.

Experience and qualifications

  • JD or Masters degree candidate, completing your first or second year
  • An interest or experience in criminal or civil justice systems
  • Legal and/or social sciences research experience
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to interact with members of the judiciary, court staff, community-based organizations, and criminal justice personnel

This is an unpaid internship, which will run for eight weeks, commencing in June and concluding in August.

How to apply: Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, a resume, the names and telephone numbers of two professional references, and a writing sample to HR@courtinnovation.org.

FUTURE LEADERS ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

This award program recognizes high school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated outstanding ability and leadership skills in a particular sport, the performing arts, communications or other appropriate fields. To be considered for an award, students write an essay describing their accomplishments in the selected area, also discussing their scholastic achievements, life experiences and career goals. High-achieving individuals who have distinguished themselves as community leaders and role models present awards to winners in the various categories, which in the past have included political science, law enforcement, sports, performing arts and broadcasting.

Contact: Hon. John E. H. Stackhouse, 646-386-3751, jstackho@courts.state.ny.us

Who is eligible? New York City high school students, grades 11 and 12.

How to apply: Schools internally identify students and file applications. If you have any interest, please discuss the program with a teacher or administrator at your school.

JOB SHADOWING PROGRAM, QUEENS CRIMINAL COURT

Local high school students can "shadow" individual staff members of the Queens Criminal Court as a way of learning about the kinds of jobs that are available in the court system.

Contact: John Zoll, Supervising Court Attorney, (718) 298-0836, jzoll@courts.state.ny.us

Who is eligible? Students at Queens Vocational and Technical High School.

How to apply: Students at Queens Vocational and Technical High School should contact a school administrator.

Program Schedule: School Year

JURY SERVICE MEDIA CONTEST

This contest, coordinated by the court system’s Office of Public Affairs, invites students (under the guidance of their teachers) to use their creativity to highlight the importance of jury service, submitting posters and other materials. Entries are judged by the participating county’s jury commissioner’s office, with awards presented locally to the winners, whose entries will be displayed in public venues throughout the state.

Contact: Gregory Murray, 212-428-2116, OPAOutreach@courts.state.ny.us

Who is eligible? High school students in the following counties: Albany, Bronx, Broome, Dutchess, Erie, Kings, Monroe, Nassau, New York, Onondaga, Orange, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schenectady, Suffolk and Westchester.

How to apply: Contest guidelines and entry forms are available at www.nyjuror.gov/contest

Program Schedule: Annual


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SPRINGFIELD GARDENS HIGH SCHOOL

Youth Courts train local teenagers to serve as jurors, judges and attorneys, handling real-life cases involving their peers. The programs use positive peer pressure to ensure that young people who have committed minor offenses pay back the community and receive the help they need to avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system. They encourage young people to take responsibility for their actions and to acknowledge how their behavior affects the quality of life in the community. For more information about the Springfield Gardens High School program contact the person below.

Contact: Lillie Whitmore, wpeacelove@verizon.net, 718-341-3033

SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAM, QUEENS CRIMINAL COURT

In this outreach program, judges and court personnel from Queens Criminal Court visit local schools, give tours of the courthouse, lead discussion with school children on topics such as bullying, and conduct mock trials.

Contact: Linda Catarisano, Office of the Supervising Judge, (718) 298-0836, lcataris@courts.state.ny.us

Who is eligible? Schools in Queens County.

How to apply: If you have any interest, please discuss the program with an administrator at your school. School administrators should contact Ms. Catarisano.

Program Schedule: School Year

STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The Student Ambassador Program is an internship program that offers high school, college, graduate and law school students an opportunity to work under the guidance of New York state judges and other court professionals to expand their knowledge about a particular court- or law-related issue. Students develop presentations, conveying what they learned to their peers and others in their community.

Contact: Gregory Murray, 212-428-2116, OPAOutreach@courts.state.ny.us

Who is eligible? High school, college, graduate and law school students in New York City’s five boroughs, Long Island and New York’s Sixth and Eighth Judicial Districts

How to apply: Students must submit a resume, cover letter and transcript one month prior to the beginning of an academic semester in which they wish to participate. Some locations may also request face-to-face interviews.

Program Schedule: Year-Round

TIMES SQUARE YOUTH PROGRAM

Times Square Youth is a workforce development initiative that empowers young people to set and achieve positive employment and educational goals. Each year, the program prepares 60 low-income, out-of-school, at-risk youth for future success by helping them change their attitudes about themselves, work and the world. Participants have access to individual counseling, peer support groups, work readiness training, computer classes, 30-hour skills-enhancing internships, leadership development exercises, community service projects, college counseling, mentoring and job placement services.

Contact: Angela Tolosa, Midtown Community Court, 646-264-1302

Who is eligible? New York City residents between the ages of 17 and 21 who are high school graduates, GED recipients or GED students.

How to apply: Contact Angela Tolosa.

YOUTH COURT, FAR ROCKAWAY

The Far Rockaway Youth Court trains local teenagers to serve as jurors, judges and attorneys, handling real-life cases involving their peers. The Court uses positive peer pressure to ensure that young people who have committed minor offenses pay back the community and receive the help they need to avoid further involvement in the justice system. The Court handles cases involving young people, ages 10 to 18, who have been cited for low-level offenses, such as vandalism, fare evasion, assault and truancy.

Contact: Far Rockaway Youth Court Staff, 718-474-2168, nvazquez@courts.state.ny.us

Who is eligible? Applicants must be 14-18 years old and interested in making a difference in their community. Priority is given to teens who live or go to school in Far Rockaway, Queens.

How to apply: Contact the Youth Court staff at 718-474-2168 to request an application.

Program Schedule: Year-Round, After-School Program

YOUTH COURT, QUEENS

The Queens Youth Court trains local teenagers to serve as jurors, judges and attorneys, handling real-life cases involving low-level offenses committed by their peers. The teenagers conduct trials and hand out sentences such as community service and detention.

Contact: Ruth Maxwell, Youth Coordinator, (718) 286-3151

Who is eligible? Youth between the ages of 14 and 16 can serve as members of the Youth Court.

How to apply: Youth interested in serving as members of the Youth Court must successfully complete a multi-week, law-related education program. Contact Ms. Maxwell.

Program Schedule: School Year

YOUTH JUSTICE BOARD

The Youth Justice Board brings together young people to study and propose solutions to juvenile justice and public safety challenges that affect them. Each year, a team of 15 to 20 New York City teenagers studies an important issue affecting young people. After months of research, participants present their recommendations to key policymakers and advocate for their implementation. Members of the board participate in intensive training in research and critical thinking, developing skills and gaining leadership experience.

Contact: Linda Baird, Center for Court Innovation, 212-716-1365, yjb@courtinnovation.org

Who is eligible? 13-18 year old residents of New York City.

How to apply: The Youth Justice Board recruits new members each year in May and June. For more information call 212-716-1365 or write to yjb@courtinnovation.org.

YOUTH COURT OF QUEENS

Youth Courts train local teenagers to serve as jurors, judges and attorneys, handling real-life cases involving their peers. The programs use positive peer pressure to ensure that young people who have committed minor offenses pay back the community and receive the help they need to avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system. They encourage young people to take responsibility for their actions and to acknowledge how their behavior affects the quality of life in the community. For more information about the Youth Court of Queens contact the person below.

Contact: Odella Williamson, Embury United Methodist Church, 718-776-3938

 
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