|
PRESS RELEASE
For more information, please contact: Gwen Osborne, director of public affairs, (312) 906-5251
Chicago-Kent's PLUS Program gives undergrads
"a taste of the law school experience"
Unique summer law school program promotes diversity in the legal profession
CHICAGO–June 4 , 2009---A diverse group of 25 undergraduate students, all interested in legal careers, is 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. This is the eighth consecutive summer Chicago-Kent has offered the program, which runs from June 1 through June 26.
The program is funded, in part, 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." Additional support is provided by Chicago-area law firms, corporations and foundations.
The 2009 PLUS scholars are currently enrolled in 24 schools throughout the country. They attend Alcorn State University, Amherst College, Arizona State University, Creighton University, Jackson State University, Loyola University-Chicago, Marshall University, Monmouth College, Morehouse College, Oakwood University, Pomona College, Rhodes College, St. Edwards University, St. John's University, Swarthmore College, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, University of Indiana-Bloomington, University of Miami, University of Michigan, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wesleyan University, and Xavier University.
There is no charge to the PLUS scholars, who receive tuition and a stipend comparable to a summer internship.
"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 and taught by law school faculty. Student activities typically run weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students 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. In 2008, two students who participated in the 2004 PLUS program received their law degrees from Chicago-Kent," said Soliunas.
|
