About Us
Founded by two Crossland High School students in Prince George's County, Maryland, we're a student-led nonprofit dedicated to giving high school students the legal knowledge, professional connections, and civic foundation to shape a more just society.
"We noticed a lack of resources for law-oriented students in our district. We set out to change that by creating a free program for students like us."
The Founding Story
Barnes & Scott Youth At Law was founded in 2024 by O'Marie Barnes and Nasir Scott — two students at Crossland High School in Prince George's County, Maryland. Connected by an arts teacher, their friendship became a testament to the power of public education and what happens when passionate young people find common purpose.
Both shared a passion for how the law could change lives. But they also noticed something troubling: a lack of accessible legal education resources for students like them in their district. Rather than wait for someone else to solve the problem, they decided to build the solution themselves — a free program that would give high school students the legal knowledge, mentorship, and civic foundation they wished they'd had from the start.
Since then, Barnes & Scott Youth At Law has reached over 200 students, earned recognition from the Governor of Maryland, and hosted major conferences and events involving partners across the region. Alumni have gone on to Ivy League institutions including Columbia, Harvard, and Yale. What started as two high schoolers with an idea has become a movement — proof that young people don't need to wait to make a difference.
Mission & Values
Our mission is to bridge the gap between high school students and the legal world — through education, mentorship, and civic engagement. These four values guide everything we do.
Access to Justice
Legal literacy should not be a privilege. We believe every young person deserves to understand the system that governs their life.
Rigorous Education
We hold our students to a high standard because we believe in their capacity. Our curriculum is substantive, challenging, and real.
Community & Belonging
We build a community where students feel seen, supported, and connected — to each other and to a broader network of legal professionals.
Civic Responsibility
We believe an informed citizenry is the foundation of a just democracy. Our students leave as active, engaged participants in civic life.
Meet Our Student Founders
O'Marie Barnes
O'Marie is a Crossland High School student from Prince George's County, Maryland, who co-founded Barnes & Scott Youth At Law to address the lack of legal education resources for students in his district. Passionate about how the law can change lives, he has helped build a program that has reached hundreds of students and earned recognition from the Governor of Maryland.
Crossland High School · Prince George's County, MD
Nasir Scott
Nasir is a Crossland High School student from Prince George's County, Maryland, who co-founded Barnes & Scott Youth At Law alongside O'Marie. Connected by an arts teacher — a testament to the power of public education — Nasir shares a deep commitment to making legal education accessible to students like him. Together, they've built a program that has hosted major conferences and partnered with organizations across the region.
Crossland High School · Prince George's County, MD
Learn more about our Executive Director
Meet Ashlyn Pankow, Executive DirectorLegal Partners & Supporters
Our work is made possible through partnerships with community organizations, legal education nonprofits, schools, and advocacy groups across Maryland and the D.C. region.
Interested in partnering with us? Get in touch
Ready to be part of this work?
Students, attorneys, and donors are all welcome.