Sponsor Student Law Academy
Be a champion for the next generation of legal leaders. Sponsor the Student Law Academy through your firm at levels ranging from $6,000 to $750 or make a personal commitment with a $250 individual sponsorship donation.
Your investment empowers our scholars and helps create transformative educational experiences that shape their futures.
2026 SLA Program
The Student Law Academy (“SLA”) 2026, made possible through a partnership with PREP-KC, has two in-person components: Legal Pathway and Job Shadow. These two distinct sessions are:
- Program 1: Legal Pathway – June 2026
Selected SLA Scholars, who are rising juniors and seniors in high school, participate in three educational sessions each morning from June 1–26, 2026 (excluding June 19 in observance of Juneteenth). During these sessions, Scholars learn from legal professionals on a variety of topics, gaining exposure to careers in the legal field and an overview of the legal system. Each Scholar is assigned a Mentor, with whom they share ideas and connections over lunch once a week. The Legal Pathway program culminates in an SLA Graduation on June 26.
- Program 2: Job Shadow – July 2026
This program is designed for returning SLA Graduates who have completed the Legal Pathway. Scholars participate in an in-person rotational internship and mock trial experience from July 13–31, 2026. They are placed at different law firms, courts, and government agencies, rotating to a new office each week to job shadow legal professionals. Each Scholar is assigned a Mentor to help prepare for their job shadow opportunities and assist in building a portfolio for future career opportunities. Scholars also visit field trip locations to see law in action, including sports franchise law, municipal through federal courts, and other legal occupations. The Job Shadow program concludes with a Mock Trial and Ice Cream Social on July 31.
KCMBA Members: Mentor, Inspire, Support: Join the Student Law Academy This Summer
Opportunities to Get Involved:
1. Serve as a Mentor
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Month-long commitment in either June or July
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Guide 2–3 students, helping them explore the legal profession, answer questions, and gain insights about a career in law
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Includes weekly Monday lunches at KCMBA (provided) and attendance at the June Legal Pathway graduation
2. Lead a Session as a Guest Speaker
3. Host Students at Your Firm During the July Job Shadow Program
A cornerstone of SLA is mentorship, guest speaking, and job shadow hosting. We are looking for attorneys and judges who enjoy sharing their knowledge, inspiring students, and nurturing young people interested in a career in law. Mentors play a vital role in guiding students and helping them explore the profession.
Applications from scholars for our June and July programs are currently underway. This year, we aim to host 30 students in the June Legal Pathway program and 20 students in the July Job Shadow program.
By becoming a mentor, speaker, or job shadow host, you’ll help shape the next generation of legal professionals while making a meaningful impact in your community.
If you are a KCMBA member interested in volunteering as a mentor, guest speaker or job shadow hosting, email [email protected] and view the guide packets below for more information.
"Increasing diversity in our profession is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. The Kansas City legal community will realize its fullest potential only when the talents of all who practice law or aspire to a legal career, regardless of background, are welcomed."
-Sylvester "Sly" James, KCMBA Past President and founder of the Diversity Initiative
Who We Are
Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation (KCMBF), in partnership with local education non-profit organization The Partnership for Regional Education Preparation-Kansas City (PREP-KC), created Student Law Academy (SLA) in 2019. SLA aspires to serve as a future pipeline to diversify Kansas City's legal community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide students who are attending Kansas City’s school districts, especially those in historically marginalized areas, meaningful exposure to careers in the legal profession and a broad overview of the legal system.
What We Do
SLA collaborates with local law firms, courts, and other legal entities to provide students with a dynamic, paid summer program. SLA works within PREP-KC's six school districts and three charter schools (Allen Village, Center, Crossroads Academy, Independence, KCKPS, KCPS, Grandview, Guadalupe Centers, and Hickman) to select juniors and seniors in high school as SLA Scholars.
Inspire the Next Generation
"If I know someone out there is supporting me, then I have more motivation to pursue law." -2021 Student Law Academy Scholar