The George P. Kazen Fellowship Program. The Kazen Fellowship Program is a youth civic and leadership initiative designed to inspire the next generation of engaged citizens and community leaders.
Established in 2023 to honor the legacy of the late U.S. District Judge George P. Kazen, the Fellowship begins with a five-week summer program that opens the doors of the federal and state courthouses and exposes high school students to hands-on experiences with the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. Through interactive learning with instructors and legal professionals, a select cohort of high school juniors and seniors gain an understanding of government, learn about the rule of law, and civic responsibility while developing leadership skills that foster community engagement and public service.
The summer program ends with a capstone mock trial where students are mentored by lawyers and judges preside over the students’ arguments, questioning witnesses, and the presentation of evidence. The Fellowship continues with each class cohort joining a pool of civically minded high school students who give back to the community through civic education service projects, such as middle school camps and civic education jamborees. The Fellowship will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2027, having served more than 100 students representing every public and private high school in Laredo. Each class is selected through a competitive application and interview process. Although they are from diverse backgrounds, the Fellows share common traits: great academic potential and perseverance in the face of adversity. As the first program of its kind in Laredo, the Kazen Fellowship brings students, judges, and attorneys together in ways that were never possible before and shows young people from the border that they have a voice and a place in our democracy.
“The Kazen Fellowship Program is honored to have been chosen by the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association to serve as the 2026–2027 Budweiser Washington’s Birthday Parade Marshals,” said U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña. “Since 2023, the Kazen Fellowship has brought together high school students representing every high school in Laredo for a summer of civic leadership development, and college preparation. Serving as parade marshals celebrates the power of community partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities that advance our youth and our community. Together with the Laredo Bar Association and our many dedicated community partners, the Kazen Fellowship Program is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders. When we invest in our youth, we all benefit from a stronger community, more engaged citizens, and students better prepared to compete for college opportunities and succeed in the future.”