A paralegal plays an important role in a law office. In this career field, a person helps an attorney prepare for trials, various hearings, and client meetings. This person collects, analyzes, and organizes information as well. This profession requires training and education in legal matters. To eliminate some of the burdens associated with college expenses, there are a number of scholarships available to people interested in this job.
Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Paralegal Scholarship Program
Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C.
$1,000
Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. sponsors its annual Paralegal Scholarship Program. Established to help aspiring paralegals in need of financial assistance, this $1,000 scholarship can be used for tuition and/or supplies. The application process consists of:
- a scholarship application form
- an official copy of a paralegal school transcript
- a 500-750-word essay describing the applicant’s educational and career goals.
Camille S. Stell Scholarship
Raleigh-Wake Paralegal Association
$500
The Raleigh-Wake Paralegal Association sponsors the Camille S. Stell Scholarship. Established to recognize Ms. Stell’s “devotion to teach paralegal students and to the paralegal profession,” the $500 scholarship is open to any paralegal studies or legal studies student studying in Wake County, North Carolina. The application process includes a short essay response to a provided question.
Cornelia A. Bregman Memorial Scholarship for Women Returning to Education
Greater Capital Region Endowment Fund
$2,000
The Greater Capital Region Endowment Fund sponsors the Cornelia A. Bregman Memorial Scholarship for Women Returning to Education. Specifically established for women 25 years of age and older, this generous $2,000 award can be used to help fund an academic, technical, or vocational degree or certificate. The application process includes a lengthy application and two letters of reference.
Elizabeth Root Memorial Scholarship
Orange County Paralegal Association (OCPA)
$500
The Orange County Paralegal Association (OCPA) sponsors the Elizabeth Root Memorial Scholarship. Two $500 awards are awarded to paralegal students in need of financial support for pursuing paralegal-related education, seminars, memberships, or certification fees. The application process includes submission of the scholarship application and an essay on an assigned topic.
Jamie Bowie Memorial Scholarship
Oklahoma Paralegal Association
$250
Named for the daughter of an Oklahoma Paralegal Association member, the Jamie Bowie Memorial Scholarship is a $250 award for a student enrolled in an ABA-approved paralegal program. The scholarship, which is partly funded by Jamie’s friends, is awarded based on character, grades, and need.
Janet Scott Scholarship
Richmond Paralegal Association
$250
The Richmond Paralegal Association sponsors the Janet Scott Scholarship. The annual award is given to an RPA member, and is meant to cover the cost of applying for and taking the NALA CP Exam or the NALA Advanced Certified Paralegal Exam.
Jean H. Proffitt and Susan Brewer, Esq. Scholarship Fund
Richmond Paralegal Association
Varies
The Richmond Paralegal Association sponsors the Jean H. Proffitt and Susan Brewer, Esp. Scholarship Fund. Established to help paralegal students in the Richmond metro area, this scholarship can be used for tuition and textbooks. Applicants are awarded based on merit and a displayed dedication to a career as a paralegal.
Lawassa B. Jones Memorial Scholarship
Tennessee Paralegal Association
$500
The Tennessee Paralegal Association (TPA) sponsors the Lawassa B. Jones Memorial Scholarship. It is named for a TPA founding member who lost a battle with cancer in 1993. This $500 award can be used for tuition, books, or other school-related expenses. The application process consists of a questionnaire and a short essay on an assigned topic.
LEX Scholarship
American Association for Paralegal Education Scholarships
$1,500 (1st place), $500 (2nd place)
The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAPE) sponsors the annual LEX Scholarship competition. The generous $1,500 award for first place can be used to pursue an education in paralegal or legal studies. The application process includes an essay of 500-750 words and a letter indicating the applicant is in good standing at their current school.
Meredith R. Pollette, CLAS Scholarship
North Carolina Paralegal Association
Varies
The North Carolina Paralegal Association sponsors the Meredith R. Pollette, CLAS Scholarship. Held annually in June through August, the scholarship provides CLA/CP examination fees to two winners. The application process consists of a questionnaire and a short essay.
Minority Scholarship Program
Warner Norcross and Judd
$2,000
The law firm Warner Norcross and Judd sponsors the annual Minority Scholarship Program. As part of this program, the firm offers an award of $2,000 to a paralegal/legal assistant student. To be eligible, applicants must be Michigan residents studying in an accredited program.
Nancy McLaughlin Scholarship
Capital Area Paralegal Association
$250
The Capital Area Paralegal Association (CAPA) sponsors the Nancy McLaughlin Scholarship. Established in memory of the former CAPA member, this $250 award can be used for a variety of education- or professional-related purposes. The application process consists of an essay on an assigned topic.
Paralegal Students Scholarship
Ehline Law Firm
$750
Los Angeles-based Ehline Law Firm sponsors its annual Paralegal Students Scholarship. It’s offered to those either working in a law office, or attending an accredited paralegal program. This $750 award can be used to further the applicant’s educational and/or career goals. The application process consists of:
- a 400-700-word essay
- a questionnaire
- submission of an unofficial transcript.
PCCE Scholarship
Paralegal Education Group
Varies
The Paralegal Education Group sponsors the PCCE Scholarship. It’s meant to assist those preparing to take the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE). This scholarship can be used to purchase a review manual, an online review course, and the exam free for the exam. The application process includes an application and an essay on an assigned topic.
Robert and Frances Fullerton Scholarship
California State University, San Bernardino
$1,900
CSU San Bernardino (CSUSB) sponsors the Robert and Frances Fullerton Scholarship. The approximately $1,900 award is given to a student attending CSUSB and pursuing a paralegal degree. The scholarship is merit-based.
Thompson/Reuters Scholarship
National Federation of Paralegal Associations
$3,000 (1st place), $2,000 (2nd place)
The National Federal of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) sponsors a number of awards and scholarships for current and future paralegals, including the Thompson/Reuters Scholarship. Two scholarships of $3,000 and $2,000 are available, and each winner also receives complimentary registration and a travel stipend to the NFPA Annual Convention.
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