STARS Program
Empowering young minds through education, accountability, and opportunity.
About the STARS Program
The STARS Program provides high school students with an immersive, hands-on introduction to the criminal justice system. Through structured training, education, and mentorship, students participate in realistic courtroom simulations that reflect how criminal cases are investigated, prepared, and tried. Participants take on a variety of roles, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, and defendants, allowing them to better understand the responsibilities and procedures involved in the legal process.
STARS Program in Action
Courtroom simulations within the STARS Program are conducted in a formal setting and are overseen by members of the judiciary, with City officials and legal professionals participating as appropriate. This structure ensures that students gain an authentic and respectful understanding of courtroom proceedings.
How the Program Works
Orientation & Training
Mentorship & Education
Mock Trial Preparation
Courtroom Simulation
Program Highlights
The Mock Trial Experience
The mock trial is one of the central learning experiences of the STARS Program. After weeks of preparation, students apply what they have learned by participating in a realistic courtroom simulation.
Students take on courtroom roles such as prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, and defendants. Through this process, they practice public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork, and legal reasoning while gaining a deeper understanding of how criminal proceedings work.
This experience allows students to see the justice system in action while building confidence, discipline, and respect for the courtroom process.
Students participating in the STARS Program mock trial courtroom simulation.
Community Impact
The STARS Program supports the broader community by providing students with education and mentorship that encourage positive engagement and informed participation in civic life. By fostering understanding of the justice system, the program contributes to long-term community awareness and responsibility.
- Encourages positive youth engagement
- Strengthens community understanding of the justice system
- Supports informed civic participation
- Reinforces respect for the rule of law
Program Partners
The STARS Program is supported through collaboration with community partners, educators, legal professionals, and City leaders who help make this experience possible for students.
