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What is Youth in Law
Youth in Law (YL) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in Rochester, Minnesota, to address the need for more opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in public service careers. Our goal is to bridge this gap by facilitating personalized mentorship between students and local law professionals.
Our Mission
Our mission at the Youth in Law is to empower high school students to achieve their full potential by connecting them with mentors. We aim to provide students with unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience and exposure to different career paths, particularly in the fields of law and public service.
Through our mentorship program, we strive to inspire students to pursue their passions, develop their skills, and build meaningful relationships with experienced professionals. We believe that every student deserves the chance to explore their interests and build a foundation for future success, regardless of their background or circumstances.
​Our ultimate goal is to create a community of lifelong learners who are committed to making a positive impact on the world. By providing access to knowledgeable and supportive mentors, we hope to foster a culture of excellence and service that will benefit both individuals and society as a whole.
Join us in our mission to empower the next generation of leaders and change-makers!
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is Youth in Law? Youth in Law is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mentorship and learning opportunities for high school students interested in law. Through court visits, mentorships, and networking opportunities, we help students explore legal careers.
Who can join Youth in Law? Youth in Law is open to high school students (grades 9-12) who are interested in law, government, or the legal system. No prior experience or legal knowledge is required!
Where is Youth in Law located? Our home base is in Rochester, MN, but we are expanding to Madison, WI and the Minneapolis area in MN. We offer both in-person and virtual opportunities.
How can I get involved? Students can participate in our mentorship programs, attend events, and join our newsletter or Instagram for updates. Volunteers and legal professionals can also support us by mentoring students or partnering with our programs.
Programs & Mentorships
What programs does Youth in Law offer? Youth in Law Mentorship Program during the school year or summer. A 50 to 60 hour program where students shadow legal professionals, watch cases and complete a final project. Details vary mentorship to mentorship. Workshops & Panels – Educational events featuring legal professionals. Like our Know Your Rights workshop. Networking Opportunities – Events to connect with lawyers, judges, and other students interested in law.
How do I apply for a mentorship? Applications are available on our website or instagram. For summer they usually close around March and for school year mentorships before the semester starts. Keep an eye on our social media or newsletter for deadlines!
Is there a cost to participate? No, all Youth in Law programs are completely free for students! But if you would like to donate so we can give more students opportunity learn more on our donation page!
Do I need to have prior knowledge of law? No! Our programs are designed for students of all experience levels, whether you're just curious about law or already know you want to pursue a legal career.
Expansion & Leadership
What is Youth in Law’s expansion to Madison, WI? We are launching a branch in Madison, WI, to provide the same mentorship and learning opportunities to students in the area. If you're a Madison student, stay tuned for updates!
Who leads Youth in Law? Youth in Law is led by Executive Director Jorja Wodziak, along with a board of high school and college students who are passionate about making law accessible to all.
Can I start a Youth in Law chapter at my school? Yes! Please follow the steps outlined here!