Joel White Scholarship

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas has created the Joel White Memorial Scholarship for law school students in honor of the late First Amendment attorney Joel White. White was a former president of the FOI Foundation of Texas board and a longtime advocate for free speech, free press and open government. The inaugural Joel White Memorial Scholarship was awarded for the 2022-23 academic year. It was the first time the nonprofit FOI Foundation of Texas had awarded a higher education scholarship since its founding in 1978.

Minimum scholarship amount: $1,000

Process: Applicants must submit the FOIFT scholarship application, their resume and an essay explaining their legal career goals and why they are applying. Law school enrollment will be verified by the FOI Foundation of Texas executive director. Scholarship money will be paid directly by FOIFT to the law school to apply to tuition and fees.

Essay instructions: Provide a written essay of 500 words maximum about your reasons for pursuing a legal career, the type of law you are interested in and how you are preparing for that career. Please explain your interest in First Amendment law. Include in the essay why you are applying for the scholarship.

Eligible Applicants: Students attending a Texas law school who are interested in First Amendment law and upholding the First Amendment principles of free speech and free press that Joel White championed. Financial need is not a determining factor in selection of the scholarship recipient but will be considered.

• Merit-Based