Students from Jefferson Twp Jr/Sr High School present their project at the
2009 Youth for Justice Summit.  

2009 Youth for Justice Summit Results and Photos

Past Youth For Justice Summit Reports

What is Youth For Justice?
Frequently Asked Questions

Youth for Justice is a locally designed, planned, and implemented program that is part of a national effort to promote safe and drug-free schools and communities. In Ohio, students in middle grades (grades 4-9) spend several months researching the problems of injustice in their schools and communities, then design solutions and action steps. Teams of students are invited to participate in a Summit in Columbus each spring. At the Summit, students present their research findings, recommendations and implementation progress to their peers, legislators and other state elected officials, community leaders, educators, state agency personnel, law enforcement officials, juvenile justice officials and students from across the state. Student teams are encouraged to make additional presentations in their communities and begin implementation of their solutions.  The Summit was held on May 19, 2009, at the Riffe Center in Columbus.

Each team submits reports of their progress. These reports and findings shared at the Summit are compiled into the annual The Youth for Justice Summit Report. The report allows teams all across Ohio to share findings and ideas with each other. This publication is distributed throughout Ohio to policy-makers, educators, and community members. Look for your copy in early Autumn, or call the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education toll free (877) 485-3510 for a complimentary copy.

What are the benefits of participating in Youth for Justice?

The skills learned by participating in Youth for Justice correlate to grade level indicators in government, citizenship rights and responsibilities, social studies skills and methods, reading, writing, and math sections of the various Ohio achievement/diagnostic/graduation tests.

Additionally, the International Association of Chiefs of Police states that one of the most effective means to eliminate youth violence in America is to "involve youth more actively in examining youth violence issues and developing solutions." Numerous longitudinal and short-term studies have revealed that law-related education programs, such as Youth for Justice, have significant positive effects on students’ knowledge, and attitudes. When properly implemented, these programs are effective in preventing delinquency and promoting responsible, active citizenship.

Who sponsors and pays for the project?

The Youth for Justice Project is conducted by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE). OCLRE is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that encourages responsible participation in the democratic process through educational programs in law and citizenship for Ohio teachers and students. The sponsors of OCLRE are the Supreme Court of Ohio, the Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Attorney General Nancy Rogers, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio Foundation. The OCLRE Board of Trustees is comprised of representatives from these entities and local attorneys.

Special grant funding from the Ohio State Bar Foundation, makes them a special partner. In addition, this money offers some needy schools reimbursements for travel and substitute pay for teachers. Other private and public donors help to cover the cost of food and materials.

What do participants think about Youth for Justice?

According to teachers and adult advisors:
"This project is one of the neatest things I have done during my entire 26 years as a teacher. It not only involves youth participation, but helps them to make a difference, too."

"It provides the incentive to go back to your school and work on the issues that need the most attention. The Summit also points out the diversity of different school problems, the encouragement to be empowered to do something about your problems and the awareness of similar problems in other schools."

"It is an excellent way to encourage action by staff and students. It can empower them to take ownership of their schools and the expectations of what they want their schools to be."

"Excellent participatory, civic activity, and hands-on learning experience!"

According to the youth:
"I thought [the Summit] was great! I had an awesome time. I also learned a lot of cool facts."

"I feel this is great how all these youths feel so strongly about changing our world to make it a safer and better place to grow up in. I know we all can make a difference and I’m happy to see how many other people feel the same way."

"I think that Youth for Justice was very educational and I would like to come back again."

According to elected officials and others:
"It is rare that we hear directly from the people who are affected by the debates, discussions, and decisions that we make. So for you to play a direct role in [reducing violence] is very important to us. And what you say will have an impact," stated the Honorable Michael Fox, former Chairman of the Ohio House of Representative’s Education Committee.

"I think [Youth for Justice] opened my eyes to how creative and wise children can be when they are allowed to be," commented a legislative staffer.

"Frequently we do things ‘for’ our youth and ‘in the best interests’ of young people, but we rarely involve them in decision-making processes. The Youth for Justice project reveals that young people have substantive ideas that are clearly worthy of consideration," said Michael L. Lee, former Director of the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

How do I find out more?

It’s easy! Just call toll free in Ohio 877-485-3510, email Tim Kalgreen or write to:

Youth for Justice 
Ohio Center for Law-Related Education
1700 Lake Shore Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43204