High School Center Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Leadership, Law, and Criminal Justice

Leadership, Law, and Criminal Justice

The Leadership, Law & Criminal Justice regional program cultivates socially conscious, ethical, and civically engaged students who are prepared to uphold justice and strengthen their communities. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the program encourages students to explore the principles of law, equity, and civic responsibility while developing leadership skills that support meaningful participation in public service and related fields.

Students engage with real‑world issues through coursework, internships, and applied learning experiences that connect legal studies, criminal justice, ethics, history, and public policy. The program prepares students to pursue postsecondary education and careers in law, government, criminal justice, public policy, and community advocacy.

Core Experiences

• Learn directly from community advocates, policymakers, and public servants
• Participate in internships with local government agencies, law offices, and community organizations
• Earn National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certification
• Earn college credit through dual enrollment and articulated coursework
• Engage in interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect civics, ethics, history, and law
• Conduct and present original research on issues of justice, equity, and public policy
• Network with professionals, including attorneys, judges, law enforcement officials, and civic leaders
• Compete and collaborate in local, state, and national conferences, debates, and mock trials
• Lead and serve through student organizations focused on leadership, law, and social change

Program Goals

1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills
   Equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to become principled and effective leaders and community members engaged in public service.
2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience
   Provide hands-on, real-world experience through internships and applied projects to ensure students can translate pathway specific learning and skills into effective public service action.
3. Foster Career and College, Career and/or Community Pathways
   Connect students with a robust network of public service mentors, and government partners to facilitate post-program employment, advanced education, and sustained civic engagement.

Application & Locations

Application: Interest-based application

Schools:

• Southern Region: Northwood
• Central South Region: Walter Johnson

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Leadership, Law & Criminal Justice Program. Cells in orange are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, students mustcomplete the following to remain enrolled in the Leadership, Law & Criminal Justice Program and earn the related certificate:

• Law & Criminal Justice core (4 credits)
  • Introduction to Justice, Law & Society
  • Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement 1 & 2
  • 1 credit from the following
    • Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement 3
    • Related internship
    • Related dual enrollment
• English/Social Studies (2 credits)
  • English 9 for Leadership and Criminal Justice
  • AP NSL for Leadership and Criminal Justice 
• Social Sciences (2 credits)
  • Sociology
  • Psychology or AP Psychology
• Completion of related internship (can be done over the summer between junior and senior year or during the first semester of senior year)