The School of Law has continued its focus on transforming the legal education experience and, for the fourth straight year, 100% of its incoming first-generation college graduates received aid.

First Generation Student Association leaders and third-year students (l. to r.) Colton Carpenter, Elias Walker and Savannah Orange.

First-generation students are now supported by more than 20 scholarship funds including the First-Start Scholars Program, which was established by 1982 alumna Kathelen V. Amos and the Daniel P. Amos Family Foundation. Notably, the Amos family recently fulfilled their $3 million commitment to this scholarship fund, which was the largest pledge in law school history at the time it was made.

Additionally, new donations to support this cohort of students include the establishment of the Hightower Family, Judge Richard W. (Rick) Story, Martin Devereaux and Woodson Family scholarship funds.

These scholarships will help students at the law school who are the first person in their families to attend college through monetary aid, in addition to financial planning, networking development and professional/bar preparation assistance.

Students can also take part in programming led by Associate Director of Student Services & First Start Coordinator Amanda J. Fox (J.D.’14) and the First Generation Student Association, which provides professional and social opportunities for law students as they learn how to navigate law school as well as foster relationships with fellow students, legal professionals and their communities.