CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The 19th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System and Clarksville Academy, has created the District Attorney’s Youth Council, the first program of its kind in Montgomery County.
On Sept. 30, the first 24 students in this new program, and their families, were welcomed into the program by elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement and judges during a meet and greet at the District Attorney’s Office.
“My idea is to take you (students) through everybody who has their hands on the criminal justice system, from making the laws, enforcing the laws, prosecuting, defense, and then the judges … that is the complete, entire system of criminal justice,” said Robert Nash, 19th Judicial District attorney general.
The 19th Judicial District Attorney’s Youth Council is a student-centered initiative designed to introduce high school youth to the criminal justice system and the role of the District Attorney’s Office, according to Jemina Clinard, executive secretary to the district attorney.
Beginning in October, the 24 students from CMCSS and Clarksville Academy who were accepted into the program through an interview process will participate in six field trips throughout the school year, including visiting the Clarksville Police Department and Montgomery County Courts, and making a trip to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
| GET YOUR MORNING NEWS: Sign up for the free daily Clarksville Now email newsletter
“These students will participate in hands-on experiences and mentorship programs that will afford them the opportunity to explore careers in law, enhance their understanding of civic responsibility, and help them to build a deeper understanding of how the legal system protects and serves the community,” Clinard told Clarksville Now.
“Providing students with opportunities to explore their aptitudes and future career interests is a key focus for our district. The District Attorney’s Youth Council offers high school seniors an invaluable chance to gain insight into the legal field,” said Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder, CMCSS Director of Schools.
“We are excited to support the 19th Judicial District Attorney’s Office through this partnership. Initiatives such as the Mayor’s Emerging Leaders, Mayor’s Youth Council, Youth Leadership CMCSS, and now the District Attorney’s Youth Council empower our students to develop as engaged citizens and future leaders.”
CMCSS students seeking to participate must be a current high school senior interested in legal or criminal justice careers, hold a minimum of a 2.75 GPA with at least a 90% attendance rate and no major disciplinary infractions. Applications can be submitted in August through the Montgomery and Robertson County District Attorney website. In September, the students go through an interview process.
| GET HELP, GIVE HELP: Clarksville Strong, your guide to local nonprofits