Spartanburg County Organizations Announce Countywide Work-Based Learning Partnership for Law and Public Service
The Institute for Youth Justice and OneSpartanburg, Inc. announced in January a concerted effort that will provide high-schoolers across Spartanburg County an opportunity to explore the local justice system through a new community-wide work-based learning [...]
Welcome to the Institute for Youth Justice
The Institute for Youth Justice is a five-month leadership training program available for all 11th and 12th grade students in Spartanburg County. This liberty fellowship venture seeks to help students gain a deeper understanding of the inner-workings of the Justice System, eliminate misconceptions, build long-lasting partnerships between youth and criminal justice officials, and empower Spartanburg County youth to become positive contributors and leaders in our community. As part of the Institute, we are also partnering across the community to offer hands-on learning opportunities through justice-related internships that give students the opportunity to explore potential careers within the justice field as well as build career pathways into this sector for our youth.
GET INVOLVED
There are many ways in which you can get involved in the Institute for Youth Justice. Yes, we are looking for youth participants, but there are also opportunities to contribute your resources, time and talent as a student, a business leader, a nonprofit, or a public service official. We are even seeking Alumni from the program to help be ambassadors in their schools and communities. Together, we can impact youth and build positive bridges between you and justice officials across Spartanburg County!
Donate
Your donation to the Institute for Youth Justice provides more students the opportunity to participate in this one-of-a-kind learning experience.
Student Ambassadors
Have you participated in Institute for Youth Justice and want to stay involved? As a Student Ambassador you’ll get to work with new students and encourage them!
Partner with Us
We are looking for more partners to help expand this work and impact throughout Spartanburg County and beyond.
In the News …
Spartanburg organizations announce justice, public safety learning initiative | Spartanburg students to gain hands-on justice system experience | Institute for Youth Justice launches internship program | Spartanburg students to gain hands-on justice system experience | Spartanburg students now have a new way to explore careers in justice, law enforcement | South Carolina: Institute for Youth Justice to host graduationSpartanburg organizations announce justice, public safety learning initiative | Spartanburg students to gain hands-on justice system experience | Institute for Youth Justice launches internship program | Spartanburg students to gain hands-on justice system experience | Spartanburg students now have a new way to explore careers in justice, law enforcement | South Carolina: Institute for Youth Justice to host graduation
Community Words of Support
“My participation in the Institute for Youth Justice allows me to connect with high school students in a positive and proactive way, offering them insight into the criminal justice system before negative perceptions are formed. It helps build trust, promote understanding, and guide youth toward making informed, responsible choices.”
Michelle Johnson, MPA
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office Administrative Captain
“The Institute for Youth Justice is making a difference in Spartanburg every day. Students who are selected for the Institute are learning first-hand how the system works and how it doesn’t. This will empower them to be better citizens. There is no question that the Institute is shaping Spartanburg’s future leaders.”
Jennifer Wells
KD Trial Lawyers Partner
“The Institute for Youth Justice is a collaborative partnership that provides students access to real world experiences in all areas of the judicial system. This is a great opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of our judicial system and the incredible career opportunities they may want to consider. This collaborative program reflects the commitment and investment of our judicial system to our students, their future, and our community.”
Dr. Ken Kiser
Spartanburg County School District 6 Superintendent
“I always enjoy the opportunity to work with the Institute for Youth Justice. The students always ask good questions as we discuss the criminal justice system. The experience will hopefully lead some of them to pursue careers as judges, solicitors, public defenders, and police officers as they gain knowledge about our justice system.”
Barry Barnette
7th Judicial Circuit Solicitor
“I believe that one of the most detrimental risks to youth is living through life with untapped potential. As a guest speaker, I could see that the youth in the audience had potential that was not only seen but was nurtured and valued by the Institute for Youth Justice.”
Jennifer Jones
Beauty Marks for Girls Founder
