Elevating Youth Voices and Leadership for Change!
The Statewide Youth Justice Leadership Cohort (SYJLC), coordinated by the Youth Law Center’s Pathways to Higher Education project, is composed of a group of resilient student leaders from California’s community colleges, all of whom are impacted by the juvenile justice system and participate in the Rising Scholars Network, which encompasses programs in these colleges for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students.
The SYJLC is a unique effort mobilizing juvenile justice impacted youth, most of whom are Black, Latinx, and Indigenous, to advocate for opportunity and alternatives outside the juvenile justice system through access to and success in community colleges. While there are efforts to mobilize students who are impacted by the adult criminal system, and efforts by organizations to push for ending the incarceration of youth generally, the SYJLC is focused on a specific alternative: community college education for a frequently ignored population in justice reform – juvenile justice impacted youth.
Our first cohort has been actively participating in a number of important conversations and forums in which their voices and perspectives have been highly impactful to community college administrators, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
As the work of the first cohort has come to an end, we are taking this opportunity to cheer three SYJLC members who graduated from college in 2024, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating their accomplishments:
Angelina Pome’e
Angelina Pome’e’s has earned an Associate of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies, focusing on racism in law and indigenous culture from the College of San Mateo (CSM). Her academic journey has been marked by exceptional leadership and dedication. Angelina, a proud indigenous woman from San Mateo, CA, was pushed out of high school to San Mateo County court schools with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), becoming part of the school-to-prison pipeline. This fall, Angelina will continue her education at San Francisco State University (SFSU). Her dedication to advocating for cultural appreciation, environmental respect, and social justice is truly inspiring.
Miguel Angel Falcon Luevano
Miguel Angel Falcon Luevano has graduated with high honors, earning Associate of Arts degrees in Philosophy and Sociology from Mt. San Antonio College. Born in Mexico, Angel emigrated to the United States with his family in search of better opportunities and faced numerous challenges. Despite being pushed out of high school and into continuation schools, he earned his high school diploma at a San Bernardino County court school. This fall, Angel will continue his education at either the University of California, Berkeley or the University of California, Los Angeles. Through pure determination, he overcame the adversity of resorting to hard labor to survive and became the first in his family to pursue a higher education, and will go on to create intentional and meaningful change.
Yefry Samael Mata Diaz
Yefry Samael Mata Diaz has graduated with high honors, earning a Certificate of Achievement in Construction Plumbing/Mechanical Inspection and Codes, an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences Interdisciplinary Studies, and an Associate of Sciences degree in Construction Management from Cabrillo College. Yefry, born in Honduras and emigrated to the U.S. with his family in search of better opportunities, began his higher education journey while incarcerated. This fall, Yefry will transfer to California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), majoring in Sociology—a decision significantly influenced by his involvement in the Youth Law Center’s Student Leadership Cohort. Yefry’s journey from incarceration to academic excellence is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Celebrate Youth Advocates like Angelina, Angel, and Yefry, and the Youth Law Center on Thursday, September 12!
Youth Law Center is hosting a special event in San Francisco that will honor Angela Vigil, Partner and Executive Director of the Pro Bono Practice at the Baker McKenzie law firm, and a tireless crusader for children’s rights. The event will also feature a special musical performance by world famous drummer and percussionist Sheila E., and affable Bay Area radio and TV personality Liam Mayclem is the MC and auctioneer.