Robina Public Interest Scholars Program and Scholarship
As part of a land-grant university, the University of Minnesota Law School has always been committed to public service. With the support of the Robina Foundation, the Law School is extending this commitment by creating a seamless path from admission to full-time employment for students interested in pursuing public interest careers through the Robina Public Interest Scholars Program.
In addition to specialized counseling, engaging summer internships in public interest projects, year-long post graduate fellowships, and loan repayment assistance, the program will also award selected students scholarships up to $15,000* annually for the first two years. Eligibility for third year renewal will be based on the scholar's continued interest and demonstrated intent to pursue a public interest career after graduation. Recipients of the Robina Public Interest Scholarship are automatically enrolled in the program and are therefore responsible for meeting all of the requirements and expectations set by the program to maintain their scholarship status.
Program and Scholarship Overview
Robina Public Interest Scholars will acquire skills in direct advocacy, policy advocacy, community engagement, project sustainability, and leadership to develop and sustain their roles as life-long public interest advocates.
As part of the Robina Scholars Program, students will benefit from the following:
- Directed guidance and counseling from a Robina Public Interest Scholars Coordinator.
- Law school experiences including, but not limited to, volunteering, mentoring, summer internships, and public interest course work to expose students to the rewards of public interest work.
- Continued support for a career in public service from the law school community.
- Law school programming and education in the areas of Loan Forgiveness and Repayment, Finding and Funding Public Interest work, Post-Graduate Fellowships, Developing Public Interest Lawyering Skills, among other skill building, career development, and educational programs.
- The opportunity to apply for a year-long post-graduate fellowship to enable graduates to launch a career in public interest work.
- Loan repayment assistance to enable graduates to continue public interest careers.
*Total Robina Public Interest Scholarship award and other merit scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions cannot exceed the amount of total tuition and fees.
Program Eligibility
- The applicant must be an entering first year law student for fall 2013 at the University of Minnesota Law School.
- Applicants may be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International students are eligible to apply, but if selected, will be responsible for any applicable scholarship taxes.
Application Requirements
- Please submit the following application components including essays no later than March 1, 2013.
- Completed and signed Robina Public Interest Scholars Program Application Form
- Essay Questions
- Completed Application for fall 2013 admission to the University of Minnesota Law School. Applicants must have a completed application for fall 2013 JD admissions on file prior to consideration of this award.
The University of Minnesota Law School Scholarship Committee will review applications. The Scholarship Committee will also consider previously submitted admissions materials.
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: March 1, 2013
- Notification Date: on or before April 5, 2013
Questions?
For questions regarding the Robina Public Interest Scholars Program and Scholarship, please contact the Office of Admissions at jdadmissions@umn.edu or (612) 625-3487.
