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PRESS RELEASE
For more information, please contact: Gwen Osborne, director of public affairs, (312) 906-5251
Unique summer law school program promotes diversity in the legal profession
Chicago-Kent's PLUS Program gives undergrads "a taste of the law school experience"
CHICAGO–June 2 , 2008--More than two dozen undergraduate students interested in legal careers are participating in a special four-week summer session at Chicago-Kent College of Law. The law school is hosting the Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program, which is designed to provide current college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors exposure to the rigors of law school and contact with legal professionals. It is the seventh consecutive summer Chicago-Kent has offered the program, which runs from June 2 through June 27.
2008 Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars with program director Francine Soliunas, assistant dean for strategy & student professional development (front, center)
The program is funded by support from the Law School Admission Council’s $10 million diversity initiative, which was created to “encourage law schools to rethink their admission policies and adopt strategies that will achieve greater diversity in the legal profession.”
The 2008 PLUS scholars are currently enrolled in schools throughout the country. They attend Austin State University, Bradley University, Carleton College, Chicago State University, Columbia University, City University of New York, Fisk University, Florida International University, Hampton University, Howard University, Loyola University Chicago, Morehouse College, New York University, Oberlin College, Oral Roberts University, St. John’s College, Sweet Briar College, University of Albany, University of Illinois, University of Notre Dame, University of Wisconsin - Madison, and Wesleyan University (Connecticut).
There is no charge to the PLUS scholars, who receive a stipend comparable to a summer internship, and a transportation allowance.
“The PLUS program is designed to introduce participants to law school and the legal profession; provide them with substantive skills to strengthen their preparation for law school; and educate and prepare these students for the law school application and admission processes,” said program director Francine Soliunas.
During their month at Chicago-Kent, the PLUS scholars will take courses adapted from the law school’s curriculum taught by law school faculty. Student activities typically run weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. They will visit courts, participate in a mock trial, learn about the law school admissions process, discuss career options, and meet leaders in the legal profession.
“At the end of the program, students are armed with the information necessary to pursue a legal education, if they choose. Last month, two students who participated in the 2004 program received their law degrees from Chicago-Kent,” said Soliunas.
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