The Supreme Judicial Court's Judicial Youth Corps program
returns to Springfield this summer after a 13-year absence in the
city. The program teaches public and private high school students
about the judicial branch of government and fundamental principles
of law.
In collaboration with the SJC, the Massachusetts Bar Association
will administer both the Springfield and Worcester Judicial Youth
Corps programs. The Springfield program was developed through a
partnership with the SJC, the MBA and Western New England
University School of Law.
SJC Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland, an advisor and ardent
supporter of the Judicial Youth Corps program since its inception,
marked the return of the Springfield program on June 6 at the High
School of Commerce, where he administered an oath to 10
Springfield-area students.
"This is a program with great potential to open doors," remarked
Ireland, who noted that past participants have gone on to
successful careers as lawyers, doctors and many other professional
roles. "I hope this program gives you an appetite for the future,"
he said.
The SJC has operated the Judicial Youth Corps program in Boston
continuously since 1991. The expansion of the Judicial Youth Corps
program to Springfield marks the second time the MBA has helped
grow the Judicial Youth Corps program beyond its Boston roots. In
2007, the MBA, in cooperation with the SJC, expanded the highly
successful program to the city of Worcester.
"The MBA is proud to fund and provide such an innovative program
in Springfield this year, giving students in one of the
commonwealth's largest urban centers an opportunity to experience
firsthand how the justice system works in Massachusetts," said MBA
President Douglas K. Sheff. "We are also pleased to continue our
partnership with the Supreme Judicial Court on the successful
Judicial Youth Corps program in Worcester, whose program will again
benefit from financial support of our philanthropic partner, the
Massachusetts Bar Foundation."
Between May and June, students in both Springfield and Worcester
take part in educational sessions over the course of six weeks,
which orient them on the court system and the law. In July and
August, students participate in paid internships in the court
system over another six-week period.
More than 700 students in Massachusetts have participated in
Judicial Youth Corps since its inception.