Earl Warren Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
Overview
The Earl Warren Scholarship honors the Honorable Earl Warren — the 14th Chief Justice of the United States and a former Governor of California — whose leadership of the Warren Court played a pivotal role in ending school segregation and reshaping American jurisprudence.
Purpose and Eligibility
Each year, the scholarship supports rising law students who demonstrate a strong commitment to racial justice and show promise for careers as civil rights or public interest lawyers. Applicants must be entering their first or second year of full‑time study at an accredited law school.
Award Terms
Recipients receive $15,000 annually for up to three years (a maximum of $45,000 total), provided they remain in good academic standing and continue to satisfy the scholarship’s requirements.
Additional Opportunities
Beyond the financial award, Earl Warren Scholars may apply for competitive LDF internships, externships, or directed research projects—opportunities many students seek each year. Selection for those positions is competitive and not guaranteed; all interested scholars must submit separate applications.
Selection Timeline and Notification
Final selections are announced in mid‑August to early September. All applicants will be informed of their application status. For details about internships, externships, and research opportunities, please visit our fellowship and internship page.