2024 Annual Report

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS/OUTREACH SCHOOL OUTREACH Power of Democracy

In 2024, the Judicial Community Outreach Committee participated in the Judicial Council of California's Power of Democracy civic education initiative. The initiative aims to strengthen civic learning and engagement among California's students, empowering them to understand the structure of government, the role of the courts, and their rights and responsibilities as members of society. Through this program, our court collaborated with schools and educators to inspire and educate students on the judicial system. In 2024, judicial officers participated in 39 outreach events, including school visits, career fairs, and more. During the school visits, judicial officers would deliver a presentation based on the teachers' choosing, and frequently included a time for students to don a judicial robe to act as judicial officers in front of their classmates. The feedback from teachers and schools has been tremendously positive, with requests for future visits already being expressed.

In a groundbreaking effort to enhance practical legal education and promote diversity within the judiciary, the San Bernardino Superior Court (SBSC) launched its inaugural Judicial Intern/Extern Program in 2024. This initiative welcomed nearly two dozen students from the University of California, Riverside (UCR), California State University, San Bernardino (Cal State San Bernardino), and the University of La Verne College of Law and Public Service . The driving force behind the creation of this program was to create opportunities for aspiring legal professionals from our community. The goals of this program included increasing the pipeline to careers within our court and legal community, enhancing public access and confidence in our court, and JUDICIAL INTERNSHIP / EXTERNSHIP PILOT

providing our judicial officers with a unique opportunity to give back to the community.

Organized by Judge Erin Alexander, Judge Aruna Rodrigo, Carol Evans, & Nadya Avakian, the 8-week program was designed to offer a transformative experience within the judicial system. It enabled students to work closely with judges and court staff. Volunteer staff, judges, and justice partners facilitated meaningful topical discussions and provided unique insights not typically available in a classroom setting. This hands-on approach offered participants invaluable insights into court procedures, legal research, and the decision-making processes of the judiciary.

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