Public Service Scholars Program 2026-27

The William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law is pleased to announce the Public Service Scholars Program for the 2026-2027 academic year.  The program will provide $1500 scholarships to up to four 2L and 3L students with a demonstrated commitment to studying and working in public service and promoting it at the Law School.  “Public service” includes legal work in nonprofit, pro bono, government, and legislative settings.

Scholars serve on the Justice Center student advisory board, the purpose of which is to provide the Center with insight into the experiences of students pursuing public service and public interest law; facilitate communication between the Center, students, and student organizations with a public interest focus; and continue to build the Law School’s public interest community and culture of service.

How to Apply: 2Ls and 3Ls can apply online. Before applying, review the scholarship criteria and board details. The application includes an essay describing your commitment to public service, your interest in and ideas for promoting public service at the Law School, and your ideas for advancing the 2026-27 Board project goals.  

The application deadline is 11:59 pm on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Scholars will be announced by July 24, 2026. 

Scholars will be selected based on their:

1. Commitment to public service,
2. Leadership and involvement in student organization, and
3. Interest in promoting public service at the law school.

Financial need will not be considered during the selection process but limited additional scholarship support may be available for scholars whose educational debt for law school will exceed $80,000.