Scholarships for First Year Students

First year students are eligible for numerous scholarships offered by California Western. Scholarship awards are determined by the Admissions Committee at California Western. All institutional financial assistance programs are subject to change.

Kennedy Scholarship Program | The Trustees Scholars Program | Faculty Scholars Program | Dean's Diversity Scholarship | Robert Grey Scholarship and Stephen N. Zack Scholarship | Creative Problem Solving Scholarships | Career Transition Scholarships | Inocente! Scholarship

Kennedy Scholarship Program

The most academically outstanding applicants to the law school are invited to become Kennedy Scholars. Selected applicants receive a three-year, full tuition scholarship, a stipend for books, a bar exam stipend, and clerkship and mentoring opportunities. Over the past few years, the Kennedy Scholars have also enjoyed a trip to DC to hear Supreme Court Oral Arguments and have lunch with Justice Kennedy. The award will remain in effect for six trimesters providing that the recipient achieves and maintains a predetermined cumulative grade point average (CGPA) that is approximately in the top 25 percent of the first year class.

The Trustees Scholars Program

Full tuition scholarships are awarded annually to entering students with outstanding credentials. The award will remain in effect for six trimesters providing that the recipient achieves and maintains a predetermined cumulative grade point average that is approximately in the top 25 percent of the first year class.

Faculty Scholars Program

The program provides a significant number of scholarships to entering first-year students based upon Law School Admissions Test performance and undergraduate cumulative grade point average. Scholarships provide full tuition for the first year (first and second trimesters) with one-half of the award continuing in effect for each of the remaining four trimesters providing that the recipient achieves and maintains a predetermined cumulative grade point average. If the student achieves a cumulative grade point average that is significantly higher than that which is required, they may become eligible for additional scholarship funds.

Dean's Diversity Scholarship

A significant number of full, half, and quarter scholarships are offered to entering students who are expected to enrich the ethnic diversity of the law school. Identified, under-represented groups are African-American, Alaskan Native, Arabic/Asian-American, Hispanic/Mexican-American, Native American, Pacific Islander, Puerto Rican. Additionally, applicants identified as non-traditional students, LGBT, students with disabilities, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds as well as other areas of diversity may be eligible under this program. Awards are determined by the Admissions Committee's review of the applicant's personal essay and diversity statement that should address ethnic and cultural background, achievements and financial need.

Robert Grey Scholarship and the Stephen N. Zack Scholarship

These full-tuition scholarships are offered in recognition of both of these men's contributions to the legal profession and commitment to diversity within the profession. Robert Grey was the second African-American to serve as president of the American Bar Association in the organization's nearly 130 year history, serving from 2004-2005. Zack served as the first Latino American President of the American Bar Association from 2010-2011. The award will remain in effect for six trimesters providing that the recipient achieves and maintains a predetermined cumulative grade point average that is approximately in the top 25 percent of the first year class.

Creative Problem Solving Scholarships

The Center for Creative Problem Solving received a grant in connection with our objective of training lawyers to be creative problem solvers, enabling the creation of this scholarship which awards one-half tuition, $15,000 or $10,000 scholarships. (Additional scholarship aid is available for students finishing near the top of their class at the end of the first year.)

Career Transition Scholarships

One scholarship for each entering class is awarded to a student who has had at least 10 years experience in a career or occupation (including homemaker), can demonstrate financial need and is not eligible for other admission scholarships. The award provides half tuition for six trimesters, contingent upon maintaining a predetermined cumulative grade point average after the first year (two trimesters) and each trimester thereafter. Applications can be obtained from the Admissions Office. Deadlines: April 1 (fall term) and November 15 (spring term).

Inocente! Scholarship

Awarded to a high achieving first year student who evidences a commitment to promoting social justice in Latin America. In addition to a tuition scholarship, the scholarship also includes an opportunity to work with two of our Institutes (Proyecto ACCESO and the California Innocence Project), that are working together on legal reform in Latin America. Proyecto ACCESO, directed by Professor Jamie Cooper, will provide you with opportunities to assist with programs in Latin America, including a potential externship in South America. You will also be given the opportunity to work with the California Innocence Project, directed by Professor Justin Brooks. Applications can be obtained from the Admissions Office. Deadline: April 1 (fall term) November 15 (spring term).