Candidates for the program are those involved in the youth justice field and employed as mid-level employees in law enforcement/policing, state and local government, public and private agencies, non-profit service providers, and includes broader community members such as middle and high school educators, policymakers, community leaders, faith leaders, parents, and advocates. 

Participation in the Transforming Youth Justice Program increases visibility and links individuals with a wide range of organizations, and regional/state networks to state and national level juvenile justice system changes. The program creates safe spaces for learning and critical reflection on a developmental approach to juvenile justice (e.g. adolescent brain research), the use of best practices, family outreach and active engagement, and tools for measuring results (RBA and data-driven decisions) 

The Transforming Youth Justice Program is an annual program that kicks off in September each year and concludes in June. The nine monthly one-day sessions are augmented with a field experience, readings, or events between sessions, and culminate in a Capstone project. The Capstone proposals turn dialogue into action on critical youth justice issues at the local, regional and/or statewide level. They are developed through a guided process while exploring relevant youth justice topics, preparing to deliver presentations on best practices, and reflecting on key learnings.

The 2024 Cohort is the 9th cohort of the program and its participants will join 116 leaders in reform who have now taken their new knowledge and expertise back to their professional positions in juvenile justice and youth development.

As agents of change, fellows comprise the Alumni Network and have opportunities to participate in statewide reform efforts by joining Juvenile Justice Policy Oversight Committee workgroups, nominate and recommend colleagues for new cohorts, review candidate applications, provide peer review of presentations, encourage colleagues and mentees to apply, and suggest new resources and experienced presenters.