CUNY SCHOOL OF LAW INVITES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO APPLY TO THE 2026 FIRST IMPRESSIONS SUMMER INSTITUTE
The First Impressions Youth Legal Collaborative (“First Impressions”) was launched on May 4, 2023. Funding for this program was spearheaded by State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey ’12 and provided by Governor Kathy Hochul to provide youth with a more positive impression of our justice system. First Impressions is a pilot program, which will hopefully be replicated throughout the state of New York. The First Impressions Summer Institute provides a free Summer Institute for high school students at CUNY Law School—New York City’s only public law school. From July 6th to August 6th 2026 (Mondays - Thursdays), students are taught by CUNY Law School students and learn to use the law as a tool for social change. Our curriculum integrates civics, leadership, and legal concepts to create a more responsive and inclusive justice system. Students develop a sense of agency and are exposed to a range of careers in the legal profession. Breakfast and lunch are provided for all students.
PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES Students must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors for Fall 2026 and have a cumulative average of 73 or above. Students cannothave any suspensions fromSeptember 2025 to June 2026. Students are requiredto attendthe entireprogram. Parent/Guardianconsentisnecessary to attend. Registration will begin on January 12th, 2026 and remain open the program is filled. Interviews will be held by zoom. Information sessions for students, school personnel, or parents can be scheduled by zoom. An in-person orientation is required and will be held at CUNY School of Law for accepted students and their parents/guardians in June 2026. To apply: https://forms.office.com/r/ZBNZwcwM2U?origin=lprLink or visit our website: https://www.law.cuny.edu/centers-and-initiatives/first-impressions/ For more information, visit our website or contact: FirstImpressions@law.cuny.edu Krista.Hall@law.cuny.edu We look forward to welcoming you to our summer institute!