For high school students in Surprise with an eye on the legal system, a new educational avenue has just opened up. The Surprise City Court Academy (CCA) is welcoming applications for a program stretching from the later part of January to the beginning of May 2026. It's designed to give young minds a peek behind the judicial curtain in a hands-on environment, as reported by the City of Surprise.
Scheduled bi-monthly meetings at the Surprise City Court, CCA sets its sessions for the first and third Wednesday, each between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m. But this isn't your typical after-school club. Participants will witness an oral argument at the Arizona Supreme Court, partake in a mock trial, and rub elbows with court professionals, including the judges, and attorneys, among others. According, to details shared by the City of Surprise's official announcement, these interactions aim to stoke the flames of interest in legal careers and offer a clear-eyed view of our justice system in action.
The program also poses to cultivate an understanding of justice, freedom, responsibility, equality, and authority through this unique educational process. By journeying through the inner workings of the court system, CCA endeavors to foster growth into mature and responsible community pillars, as per the City of Surprise.
Interested parties should act quickly, as the application window closes on December 19. Once applications are processed, acceptances will be sent out by January 9, 2026. Those looking to apply or seek further information can visit the academy's enrollment page or reach out to Kara Poling, Community Engagement Partner for the City of Surprise, at 623.222.1647 or via email at [email protected].
