Organization Gives Teens Direction For Future Careers

PINOLE (CBS SF) -- When you graduate from school, you want to be ready to tackle the work world. Another organization that received one of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committees special grants is a program that gives students the tools to score big.

Teenagers recently got to wear goggles that simulate a drunk driver's compromised vision before tackling an obstacle course to drive home a sobering lesson.

"I couldn't see anything at all," said one participant.

"It's not safe to drive intoxicated," said another.

The test was one of many hands-on activities at the Pinole Valley High School's Law and Justice Summit.

The daylong summit was organized by Junior Achievement of Northern California with cooperation from local law enforcement officers. The organization is part of an academic and mentorship program that introduces students to possible careers.

" This summit gives the students the opportunity to be more prepared for the work force,"

The Law and Justice Summit was made possible by a $10,000 Playmakers Grant, from the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee.

The grant is expected to fund more events like this in Contra Costa County.

16-year-old Christian DeJesus said hearing police officers tell personal stories cemented his desire to follow in their footsteps.

"I'm pretty excited, because it's something I'm motivated to want to do now," said DeJesus.

College freshman Gabriel Martin was inspired to join the police explorer's program as a teenager. He may now study criminology.

"After seeing someone serve their community, that inspired me. Because I wanted to give back to my community," said Martin.

" Showing them that it's a career they too can have and be very successful at is really rewarding for us," said Deputy District Attorney Laura Delahunt.

And life changing for the students.