Scholarship Spotlight: Penn Law School Merit Scholarships

University of Pennsylvania Law School, which we spotlighted just last week! The best part about these merit scholarships? Most do not require a separate application. Although candidates nominated by the Admissions committee may be asked to complete an interview or supplementary essay, students admitted to Penn Law will automatically be considered for a variety of different merit scholarships. Penn Law offers different merit scholarship opportunities ranging in award amount, so we’ve compiled a few that are sure to pique your interest. Up first:

The Levy Scholars Program

The Levy Scholars program was founded in 2002 by Paul Levy (class of 1972) and his wife Karen. This prestigious program offers a full tuition and fees scholarship for three years of study. It also includes mentorship opportunities with faculty who are involved in the recipient’s areas of interest, specialized programmatic support, research assistant opportunities, and more. The Levy Scholars program gives students unique access to faculty as well as the opportunity to attend exclusive programs in their respective areas of academic interest. Although it’s not a requirement of the Levy Scholars program, cross-disciplinary study is highly valued. Scholars are encouraged to pursue a joint degree or take part one of Penn’s many certificate programs.

The Robert and Jane Toll Public Interest Scholars Program

This program was created by Robert Toll (class of 1966) and his wife Jane, for students who are seeking academic training and practical experience in public interest law. These scholars are selected based upon a student’s demonstrated commitment to public service, their academic record, as well as their potential for leadership in the legal community. The Program’s graduates have gone on to serve in leadership roles at a variety of agencies including the United States Department of Justice, the Legal Aid Society of New York, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Bronx Defenders, and other leading public service organizations. The Toll Public Interest Scholars Program awards a full scholarship for all three years of study to five students each academic year. In addition to financial assistance, the Toll Scholars program also helps to cultivate leadership in service through robust advising and mentorship as well as coursework and scholarly activities. Toll Scholars will benefit from a formal orientation program, guidance from their Toll Scholar families and faculty advisors, and classes that culminate in a scholar capstone project. Toll Scholars must also commit to public sector employment during all law school summers, as well as for the first three years after graduation. This can include work in the non-profit sector or an institution whose primary purpose is to serve or advocate on behalf of individuals or organizations whose interests are not adequately represented by the private sector or government; federal, state, or local government, other than as a judicial clerk; clinical law teaching; and private employers whose primary mission is to serve the public interest. Curious about what kind of students are receiving the Toll Public Interest Scholarship? Click here to read both current and alumni scholar profiles. Any admitted student to Penn Law may apply to the Toll Public Interest Scholars Program. The office of financial aid will send out application details in February, with interviews taking place in late March or early April. These are just a few of the many merit scholarship opportunities that are available to those who are admitted to Penn Law! Penn Law also has a needs-based grant program that seeks to make their education as affordable and as accessible as possible.