Cal LAW Outstanding Student Stipend Award recipients Amna F. (College of the Canyons) and Martin O. (Santa Monica College) recognized at the 11th Annual Pathways to Law Summit, hosted by UC Law San Francisco. Photos courtesy of Amna F. and Martin O.

Through California LAW Pathways (Cal LAW), a Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) Collaborative Impact Partner, students from diverse backgrounds are gaining a clear, supported path from high school to community college, universities, and into law or law-related careers.

Cal LAW is one of the most comprehensive law pathway systems in the nation, comprising a statewide network of 23 high school law academies, 36 community colleges, 20 four-year institutions, and 16 ABA-accredited law schools in California. Its mission: fostering a legal system that reflects the populations they serve. 

At the 11th Annual Pathways to Law Summit, hosted by UC Law San Francisco on February 20, Cal LAW honored two exceptional community college students: Amna F. of College of the Canyons and Martin O. of Santa Monica College with the 2026 Cal LAW Outstanding Student Stipend Award. Each received $1,000 to support their academic goals.

The Pathways to Law Summit brings together nearly 300 community college students, educators, attorneys, and law school leaders from across California to build connections, share knowledge, and expand equitable pathways into the legal profession.

For both scholars, Cal LAW transformed uncertainty into a one-way ticket to law school. Through their campuses’ Cal LAW program, they participate in mock trials and debate, visit top law schools, firms, and courts, and connect with law students and legal professionals, experiences that make a future in law feel tangible and attainable.

Born in Anaheim and raised in rural Puebla, Mexico, 19-year-old Martin had to readjust to American culture when he returned to Fullerton, where English was his family’s second language. “On paper, I am a low-income, first-generation student who knew nothing about going to a community college or a university,” he shared. “Becoming a lawyer seemed so scary, but through Cal LAW’s mentorship, it feels very possible.”

After high school, Martin planned to postpone college to save money until he learned that community college could be free through the California Promise. Within weeks, he enrolled at Santa Monica College, immersing himself in its Public Policy Institute and Cal LAW programs and committing fully to a future in public service. Today, as the Director of Basic Needs for the Associated Student Government, he leads student advocacy efforts on housing, transportation, and financial aid. His impactful leadership earned him recognition as a Cal LAW student awardee.

He learned of his award while visiting family in Puebla. “My tía, who only completed elementary school, asked, ‘What’s that, mijo?’” he recalled. “Being able to explain this honor and share that moment with my family meant so much.”

Through Cal LAW, Martin found his calling in immigration law. “In the legal field, you want someone who understands your language, your culture, your struggles,” he said. “I want to represent families like mine and quite literally be a bridge between both cultures.” This fall, he hopes to carry that dream forward to a UC school and thereafter USC Gould School of Law or the Harvard Kennedy School.

Amna, a California Promise student, echoes that same determination. Born in Baghdad, Iraq, she came to the United States as a child, first to Texas, then to California. A first-generation college student, she credits her parents’ sacrifices for inspiring her pursuit of law. 

“My parents came here for the American dream,” Amna said. “Becoming a lawyer is part of honoring that and leading the way for the next generation. I’ve seen how legal systems affect my family as Middle Eastern immigrants, and how access to information and advocacy can make all the difference. These systems aren’t always built for people like us, and that drives my commitment to change it.”

At just 19, Amna is already a transformative leader at College of the Canyons. A Political Science and Law, Public Policy, and Society double major, she serves as President of the Associated Student Government, representing more than 40,000 students, and previously made history as the college’s first Vice President of Advocacy.

Amna joined Cal LAW in her first year at College of the Canyons and remains deeply committed to serving her community. She co-founded the Pathway to Law School Newsletter, connecting students with internships, attorney spotlights, and summit opportunities, and launched The Golden Book Project, distributing free books to elementary students. “Access to education should never depend on income,” she said. “If we open doors for kids early, we change everything.”

She felt a profound sense of honor and responsibility when named a 2026 Cal LAW student awardee. “To be recognized by Cal LAW marked an incredible milestone and a meaningful way to close my community college years. It reminds me that representation truly matters.”

Looking ahead, Amna plans to transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles or the University of California, Irvine this fall, with the goal of pursuing a career as a corporate lawyer. “Law school felt possible because of Pathways to Law,” she said. “Seeing students who started at community college and are now in law school changes your mindset. It makes you believe you belong there too.”

Martin’s and Amna’s stories reflect a broader movement. In July 2021, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office partnered with Cal LAW to expand the Community Colleges Pathway to Law School Initiative through 2025, strengthening equitable, statewide pathways from high school to law school. Since then, 4,836 students have participated; 1,045 have become Cal LAW Scholars; 141 have transferred to UC campuses; and 43 have enrolled in law school.

Learn more about Cal LAW Pathways