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Judge Cason Fellowship selects 30 for 2025 cohort; program stresses civic leadership and mentorship
Summary
The Judge George P. Cason Fellowship program presented its 2025 activities to the United ISD board: third year of a cohort model, selection of 30 students from area districts, summer start June 9 and year‑round programming that includes court classes, media literacy and trial advocacy as a civic‑engagement pipeline.
United ISD staff and visiting judges updated trustees on the Judge George P. Cason Fellowship, a civic‑education and mentorship program that this year selected 30 high school students from Laredo area districts for a year‑round cohort beginning in June.
"We are about to begin our program on June 9, and I want to invite you," Judge Song said during the presentation, inviting trustees to observe the program at the federal courthouse. Melissa Ramirez, United ISD’s director of guidance and counseling, said 12 seniors involved with the fellowship will graduate with a special cord this year.
The fellowship includes a summer and year‑round curriculum with classroom instruction at the courthouse, mock trials, a media‑literacy class, law and courts and trial advocacy. Presenters said the application process is competitive — more than 100 applicants — and includes essays and interviews conducted by judges, members of the bar and community representatives.
Program leaders described a holistic approach: they pair court classes with mentorship, internship exploration (in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce), and collaboration with UT and local law firms. The Laredo Bar Association raises scholarship funds that will be awarded to fellows at a July scholarship night, program leaders said.
Presenters and trustees described tangible outcomes: alumni have gone on to college scholarships, internships and careers in healthcare, engineering and law. The presenters emphasized that the fellowship is not solely for students who intend to pursue law but aims to cultivate civic engagement and leadership skills.
The presentation was informational; program staff invited trustees to the courthouse for graduation and to continued partnership in mentorship and internship development.
