Welcome to the Law, Youth and Citizenship webpage. The Law, Youth and Citizenship (LYC) Program was established in 1974 to promote civic and law-related education in New York’s public and private schools. The LYC Program has a long history of providing educational resources and programming to educators throughout New York. The LYC now focuses on supporting one of the largest high-school mock trial programs in the country, creating programming for educators through webinars and conferences, and monitoring state and federal legislation that could impact the New York educational system. Please use the tabs to the left to learn more about the LYC.

LAW, YOUTH AND CITIZENSHIP (LYC) DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

These awards honor an attorney and an educator who have demonstrated excellence in law-related/civic education. 

The Attorney Distinguished Service Award is presented to an outstanding attorneyClick here for information on how to nominate an attorney. 

The Emil Zullo Distinguished Service Award is presented to an outstanding educator. Click here for information on how to nominate an educator.

Click here to see the Past Recipients of these awards.

 

Constitution Day

September 17th is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The day commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution on this day in 1787, and also celebrates United States citizenship. On or about this day each year, educational institutions that receive federal funds are required to hold an educational program about the U.S. Constitution for students. LYC is happy to provide links to Constitution Day resources, as well as participate in school programs.

Constitution Day 2023

NYSBA President Lewis will be a keynote speaker at a naturalization ceremony in Poughkeepsie coinciding with this year’s Constitution Day celebration.

President Lewis’ participation was facilitated by LYC committee member Honorable Jonah Triebwasser.  Below are two articles with more information. Thank you Judge!

President Lewis Celebrates Constitution Day

Constitution Day Naturalization Ceremony

EDUCATOR RESOURCES

The links below are resources for educators, as well as primers for anyone who wants to test or improve their Constitutional knowledge!

NY Times Constitution Day Resources

Center for Civic Education

iCivics

American Bar Association

Educating for American Democracy

 

What is Law Day?

Law Day is held on May 1st every year to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. Learn more about the history of Law Day and past themes here.

Be sure to register to attend the ABA’s virtual Law Day Program, April 27 at 3:00 pm: Civility and Collaboration: U.S. and International Perspectives. NYSBA’s Past-President Sharon Stern Gerstman is delivering the opening remarks.

 

LYC Restricted Fund helps students and programs that impact civic education throughout New York State.  All donations will help provide programs and events sponsored by the Law, Youth and Citizenship Committee and assist in carrying out its mission and goals.

All donations to the LYC Restricted Fund are tax-deductible.   

If you would like to donate, click here to go to the New York Bar Foundation’s “MAKE A DONATION” page.

  • Select Donation Amount
  • Select Donation Type
  • Select Available Funds and select “LYC Restricted Fund” from the drop-down menu  
  • Click the blue DONATE button

The LYC Committee appreciates your donation and thanks you for your support of the Law, Youth and Citizenship program.  

                                    CLICK TO DONATE

Stacey Whiteley
[email protected]
518-487-5688