Community Empowerment and Justice Programs

These Street Law programs extend beyond traditional classroom settings to equip youth and adults facing systemic barriers with practical legal knowledge and critical life skills.

Supporting communities facing systemic challenges

Law and policies shape lives—but too often, those most impacted lack the tools to understand, navigate, and change them. Street Law’s Community Empowerment and Justice (CEJ) Programs equip people with practical legal knowledge, advocacy skills, and pathways to action.

Street Law partners with community organizations and institutions to:

  • Integrate civic and law-related education into existing program services.
  • Enhance participants’ ability to navigate legal challenges.
  • Build participants’ civic engagement and advocacy skills.
  • Inspire participants to take action to improve their lives and communities.
I enjoyed

“…that I was able to learn many new things about how to protect myself.”

I learned

“…we can make changes even if they are small.” 

I enjoyed

“…that the youth have a voice to speak up about their own struggles [and] issues rather than just listening [to] presenters speak. 

I learned

“…it’s important to know my rights.”

I enjoyed

“…how we were able to learn many new things about the law and issues surrounding our communities.”

I learned

“…we can make changes even if they are small.” 

I enjoyed

“…it’s important to know my rights.”

I learned

“…what skills I have for jobs, how to help my community, and how to communicate with others.”

I enjoyed

“…that they were very engaging with students instead of just making us do a worksheet or lecture. 

I learned

“…what I needed to do to get my credit back on track.” 

How CEJ Programs Create Impact

CEJ Programs support those most impacted by systemic challenges, including individuals facing legal system involvement or detention, educational barriers or exclusion, foster care or family separation, poverty or resource limitations, and/or unfair treatment based on identity.

These programs create change by preparing facilitators to lead engaging, interactive sessions and strengthening partner organizations’ capacity to sustain programs long-term.

At the core of each CEJ Program is Street Law’s expansive lesson library, covering a wide range of topics related to personal rights and responsibilities, including:

  • Personal and public safety
  • Civic engagement
  • The court system
  • Public policy
  • Police interactions
  • Housing law
  • Employment law
  • Financial literacy

By integrating CEJ programs into your community, you can empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful change. Let’s build a more just and informed society—together.

Contact Us

Want to learn more about Street Law's Community Empowerment and Justice Programs? Please reach out. We'd love to hear from you!

RG headshot
Rachel Gassert

Director, Community Empowerment & Justice Programs

Street Law, Inc. is seeking youth court programs to serve as pilot sites to test and refine a new curriculum designed to deepen conflict resolution, restorative practices, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) skills in youth court programming. 

Case Studies

These success stories showcase the transformative power customized civic and law-related education can have in empowering people and strengthening communities.