Diversity Legal Scholars Program

The Diversity Legal Scholars Program provides LSAT preparation assistance and mentoring for minority residents of Texas who are underrepresented in law schools.

Diversity in law schools is critical if the legal profession is to understand and serve the needs of the state's growing multicultural population. Texas Appleseed, Kaplan©, and Texas attorneys supporting the Diversity Legal Scholars program believe that law schools should be accessible to all qualified students. The goal of this program is to help motivated students reach their potential and expand their law school options. Texas Appleseed has awarded more thn 230 scholarships since instituting the program in 1996 to help diversity law school admissions and the legal profession.

Working with Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions, Texas Appleseed provides scholarships covering the full cost of a Kaplan (LSAT) preparation course for minority law school applicants, a $1,299.00 value. Texas Appleseed has awarded about 230 of these scholarships since the program began in 1997.

Scholarship recipients must be Texas residents and apply to take the LSAT on the designated date that corresponds to their Application Round. Example: Round 1 scholarship recipients must take the June LSAT test.

Application Process

To apply, applicants must submit all of the following:

1)   Completed 2-page application, including applicant signature.
2)   Resume, including work experience and community service.
3)   Copy of college transcript (and any graduate school transcripts).
4)   Financial need documentation (tax return or proof of financial aid).
5)   One letter of recommendation from working professional.
6)   An essay that addresses a current issue that relates to the legal field and diversity (350-750 words).

2010 Application Deadines

Round 1 - March 15, 2010 (to take the June 7, 2010 LSAT)

Round 2 - June 30, 2010 (to take the October 9, LSAT)

Round 3 - September 30, 2010 (to take the December 11, 2010)

2010 Award Dates and General Information

2010 Application

Please read carefully as there have been changes made to the application.

Contact information:

Fernando Guerrero
Texas Appleseed
Diversity Legal Scholars Program
1609 Shoal Creek, Ste. 201
Austin, TX 78701

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Phone: 512-473-2800, ext.107
Fax: 512-473-2813

Pro Bono Partners & Funders

Texas Appleseed is deeply grateful to Kaplan Education Centers, Hunton & Williams LLP, Texas Attorneys who have agreed to serve as mentors, the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin, the Hispanic Bar Association of Dallas, and The Michael and Alice Kuhn Foundation for their generous support of this scholarship program.

What Others Are Saying

Despite an increase in capacity, law schools have been admitting fewer African-American and Mexican American students over the last 15 years. Shut Out, by Ronald Roach, 04.16.2009 from Diverse Online

"I look forward to giving back to the community through service in the law. In many ways the work that I perform is a tribute to those whohelped me get where I am."
- Forrest Deegan, Diversity Scholar 1998

"The LSAT is a tough test, and I would not have been able to afford a preparation class to take the LSAT. Luckily, Texas Appleseed strivesto see minorities and other diverse individuals succeed."
- Starlett Carter, Diversity Scholar 2003

Letter From Former Scholar