Tri-Cities Youth And Justice Forum Connects Students With Careers In The Justice System - 03/19/26

PASCO, WA – More than a dozen high schools from across the Tri-Cities region will come together this Friday for the 21st annual Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum, a full-day event designed to connect students with professionals working in the justice system and inspire future career pathways.

Hosted at Columbia Basin College’s Gjerde Center, the forum will bring together high school students and leaders from across the legal and justice fields—including judges, attorneys, law enforcement officers, probation officers, and community advocates—for a day of learning, dialogue, and mentorship.

Students will engage directly with professionals to explore higher education opportunities, gain insight into careers in the justice system, and deepen their understanding of their rights and responsibilities as members of the community.

A central focus of the Youth and Justice Forum is expanding awareness and opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds, with the goal of fostering a justice system that better reflects and represents the communities it serves.

Students from four school districts and 12 high schools are registered to attend, including:

• Chiawana High School (Pasco)

• Pasco High School

• Sageview High School

• New Horizons High School

• Kennewick High School

• Kamiakin High School

• Southridge High School

• Legacy High School

• Hanford High School

• Richland High School

• Kiona-Benton High School

• Delta High School

Event Details:
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Columbia Basin College, Gjerde Center, Pasco

The Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum is made possible through a collaborative partnership between Educational Service District 123 and a wide network of community organizations, legal professionals, and higher education institutions committed to supporting students and strengthening pathways into the justice system.

About the Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum
The Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum is an annual event dedicated to educating and empowering high school students through direct engagement with justice system professionals. The forum promotes career exploration, civic understanding, and increased representation within the legal and justice fields.

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The Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum is sponsored by Educational Service District 123, African American Community Cultural & Educational Society (AACES), Washington State Minority & Justice Commission, Washington State Association for Justice, ACLU, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Columbia Legal Services, Gonzaga University School of Law, University of Washington School of Law, Heritage University, Morfin Law Firm, Flynn Merriman McKennon, P.S., Mendoza Law Office, P.S., Guizar Law Office,  Chvatal King Law, Purcell Law PLLC, Gravis Law, Asa LaMusga and Brittany LaMusga, Anderson Law, McPartland Law Offices PLLC,  Allen Brecke Law Offices, Karen C. Koehmstedt, Attorney at Law