It’s a passion project for Stetson Law’s first black dean, Michele Alexandre, to impact that school to prison pipeline. 

“On a very real level, this contribution we feel is important as a pipeline contribution. That is why we committed that effort to high schools in our community because the gap in education and in Florida particularly is something we all have a responsibility to tackle,” Alexandre said.

Pinellas County teens between the ages of 15-17, who are considered underrepresented because of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status, or school performance, qualify for the program.

Civil rights attorney and Stetson law professor Judith Scully will teach some of those virtual lessons in the five-day course that runs from July 19-24.

“Through civic education we’re hoping to really get students to understand, not just what is the government and how do the laws operate, but what is their role as a citizen in terms of influencing law and policy and how can they even as teenagers become advocates for their own interests, for the interests of their community,” Scully said.

Students will be given a stipend to help with their participation in the program. The deadline to apply is May 31.

This year the courses will be virtual due to Covid-19. To apply visit, stetson.edu/law/youth-program.​