CSU to create specialized prosecutor training program
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Cleveland State University is launching a new pipeline for prosecutors, thanks to a $5 million grant from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Why it matters: The program will be the first in Ohio to train law students specifically for careers in prosecution.
- It also reflects a commitment by Yost, who has been critical of progressive prosecutors, to create a generation of prosecutors free from political influence.
Driving the news: Yost's office awarded CSU Law a one-time $5 million endowment funded by fines FirstEnergy paid related to the HB6 bribery scandal.
- The program will begin in the 2026-27 academic year.
Zoom in: Enrollment will be limited to 10-12 students per year, who will receive hands-on training through a criminal prosecution clinic.
- Yost said he hopes graduates will then flow directly into prosecutors' offices statewide.
What they're saying: "As we work to keep Ohio communities safe, it's critical that we invest in the people who uphold the law by training them well," Yost said in a statement.
Zoom out: In a press conference last week, CSU officials said the program builds on its existing criminal justice curriculum, formalizing a career path that many students already pursue.
- It will be funded long-term through a mix of endowment income, $2.2 million in university support and additional partnerships.
Between the lines: Per Ideastream, the prosecution clinic will be physically and organizationally separate from other CSU Law programs, including those focused on wrongful convictions, to maintain independence and confidentiality.
The bottom line: Prosecutors have enormous discretion over charging, plea deals and sentencing. How they're trained can have ripple effects across the justice system.