Root-Tilden-Kern Public Interest Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by New York University Law
Recognized as the leading scholarship in public service, the Root-Tilden-Kern Program has been fostering the development of public service attorneys since its inception in 1951. The program provides full tuition coverage for three years of law school to exceptional students who demonstrate a commitment to public service, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
Each year, the program selects 20 scholars based on their dedication to public service, academic prowess, and leadership potential. Besides full tuition coverage, scholars are also given access to a program that cultivates future leaders in public service through unique educational experiences, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
The program adopts a broad definition of public service, including policy and legal roles in government, non-profit organizations, academia, social entrepreneurship, community development, and law firms primarily dedicated to serving the public interest.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply for all public service scholarships that align with their interests and objectives. Students who defer must reapply for scholarships in the spring prior to enrollment.
As part of the JD application process, scholarship applicants are required to:
- Provide at least one additional recommendation letter that speaks to your dedication to public service. If one of your two recommendation letters already addresses your commitment to public service, a third letter may not be necessary.
- Complement your admissions personal statement with a concise public service essay of no more than 750 words. This essay should discuss your commitment to public service, your goals, and the factors that have most significantly influenced them, or any other aspects you deem relevant to your scholarship qualification(s).
- Review and acknowledge the statements in Section 11 of the Scholarship Programs in the JD application. Here, you have the option to apply for one or more scholarships.
- Include your public service essay in your JD application, clearly marking it as your scholarship essay. If you are accepted into the Law School, your entire admissions application will be reviewed by the Root-Tilden-Kern Selection Committee.
- The priority deadline for all programmatic scholarships is December 1, with the final deadline being January 1. Applicants selected for interviews will be notified between February and mid-March. Interviews will take place in March or April 2024. Scholarship offers will be extended shortly after the interviews. Finalists will be required to respond to these offers within three days. As such, applicants should plan to attend other schools’ admitted student days and gather any other necessary information to make a decision about the scholarship within three days of receiving an offer.