Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law receives $300,000 grant to increase diversity in the law profession

Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law has received a $300,000 grant from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to host a DiscoverLaw.org Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) program—a law school summer “bridge program” for undergraduate racial and ethnic minority groups traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. The three-year grant will support the Fowler School of Law PLUS program, which will introduce first- and second-year community college students from underrepresented populations to skills important for success in law school.

“Chapman has the only PLUS program in California, and is one of only six schools nationwide to receive the grant this year,” said Matt Parlow, dean of the Fowler School of Law. “It has proved to be a very effective way for us to engage with a diverse population of students who are considering a career in law.  Recent reports show that the legal profession is one of the least diverse professions in the nation, so it is vital that law schools, as the gateway to the profession, play an active role in addressing this lack of representation.”

Justin Cruz, assistant dean of admission and diversity initiatives at Fowler School of Law, said, “we are excited to partner with LSAC in this important endeavor to prepare the next generation of law students.  The program is a unique opportunity for students from underrepresented populations to get a head start on a successful journey to law school and beyond.”

The PLUS program is held over the summer at the law school, and includes courses taught by Fowler School of Law faculty members. The courses introduce students to the essential skills and competencies of a law student and legal professional; assist them in gaining a broader appreciation for the practice of law and in navigating a path to law school; and inspire them by demonstrating how lawyers can use their skills and training to serve their communities.

The Fowler School of Law’s residential PLUS program will take place June 14 through July 21, 2017, on the Chapman’s main campus in Orange, and is open to currently enrolled students from any community college, college, or university with at least 24 units but no more than 72 units completed, and with a GPA of 2.50 or higher.  The program is offered at no cost to accepted students, and includes housing and meals.

Those who want more information should visit chapman.edu/law/lawplus/, email lawplus@chapman.edu, or contact Allison Takeda, associate director of admission and diversity initiatives for the Fowler School of Law, at 714-628-2515.

About Chapman University

As an academically distinguished center of learning, Chapman University attracts extraordinary students and faculty from around the globe. Its ten schools and colleges foster a vibrant intellectual community, and provide extensive opportunities for students to learn, grow and discover alongside remarkable faculty. The University is home to some 8,000 students pursuing bachelor, master and doctoral degrees, and is alma mater to more than 40,000 alumni found throughout the United States and the world. Now celebrating its 156th year, Chapman is known for its distinguishing strengths in leadership and civic engagement, in the arts and entertainment disciplines, and in specialized sectors of technology and science. The University is comprised of its main campus in Orange, California, and the Rinker Health Science campus for graduate health science programs in Irvine, California. Visit us at www.chapman.edu.

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