Eleanor Holmes Norton Law & Public Policy Academy
What is LPP?
The Eleanor Holmes Norton Law & Public Policy Academy (LPP) at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is a premier leadership academy that prepares D.C. students to understand, navigate, and shape the systems of law, government, and public policy that affect their lives and communities. Through rigorous academics, authentic legal and policy experiences, civic engagement, and professional exposure, students develop the knowledge, voice, and agency to lead.
Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of D.C. leaders by providing rigorous academic training in law and public policy. We are dedicated to educating students on the foundations of justice, validating their unique voices, and empowering them to lead with purpose to create meaningful, lasting change in their communities.
Class of 2026 Helen Short
Student Lawyer Club President &
LPP Academy President
Lincoln University Freshman, Political Science Major
Justice Is Our Work
At the Eleanor Holmes Norton Law & Public Policy Academy, students study law and public policy through the lived reality of Washington, D.C. The broken Lady Justice symbolizes a justice system - and a democracy - still in need of repair. Her broken sword represents D.C.’s limited power under Home Rule. Her missing arm represents the District’s lack of full voting representation in Congress. Yet because she is still being held, she also represents student voice, civic courage, and the responsibility to carry justice forward.
Current Highlights
Justice Is Our Work
At the Eleanor Holmes Norton Law & Public Policy Academy, students study law and public policy through the lived reality of Washington, D.C. The broken Lady Justice symbolizes a justice system - and a democracy - still in need of repair. Her broken sword represents D.C.’s limited power under Home Rule. Her missing arm represents the District’s lack of full voting representation in Congress. Yet because she is still being held, she also represents student voice, civic courage, and the responsibility to carry justice forward.
Upcoming Opportunity
Learning and leadership extend far beyond the classroom. LPP students have access to a growing range of opportunities that connect their interests to law, public policy, civic leadership, college, and careers. Check here regularly for field experiences, guest speakers, internships, scholarships, fellowships, student leadership positions, competitions, workshops, career programs, and other opportunities available through the academy and our partners.
Field Experiences
Oct 19: Advocacy Day at Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Office and Richard Bangura’s Mural tour.
Oct 21: Professional site visit at the Epstein Becker & Green Law Firm headquarters.
Guest Speakers
October 14 - Epstein Becker & Green Law Firm Visit
October 15 - Epstein Becker & Green Law Firm Visit
October 16 - Phi Delta Alpha (HU) Phi Service Fridays Visit
Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of the LPP community. Explore our course pathway, celebrate student work, discover upcoming opportunities, and learn how students, families, alumni, professionals, and community partners can help expand access to meaningful experiences in law, public policy, civic leadership, and service.
Educate. Validate. Empower.
Preparing students to understand law, use their voice, lead with purpose, and create meaningful change.