UND School of Law Summer Public Interest Grants
Open to rising second- and third-year UND law students who are not receiving an hourly wage as compensation in exchange for working for a qualified public interest organization or the wage they are receiving is nominal.
For this grant, the definition of a public interest placement is one that focuses on serving client populations that are indigent or traditionally underserved. This program is supported through private alumni donors and a longstanding annual commitment from the North Dakota Bar Foundation.
Selection Process
The selection process happens in May and is coordinated through the externship program. The selected students receive their scholarship when the Law School receives confirmation that the position has started. All funding runs through the Office of Financial Aid.
- All confirmed students in qualified placements at the time of selection will be considered for funding regardless of grade point average and class rank.
- Students committed to working full-time (350-400 hours) during the summer will be given priority consideration for available funding.
- As part of the requirement to receive funding, students must agree to certify their post-summer experience hours, submit a post-experience essay, and give permission for the University to publicly release their name and placement information.
Past Awards
| Year | Number of Recipients | Award (each) |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 5 | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| 2015 | 4 | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| 2016 | 6 | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| 2017 | 11 | $500 - $2,000 |
| 2018 | 10 | $1,000 - $2,250 |
| 2019 | 8 | $500 - $3,000 |
| 2020 | 6 | $2,000 - $3,000 |
| 2021 | 10 | $500 - $2,500 |
| 2022 | 5 | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| 2023 | 10 | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| 2024 | 6 | $3,000 - $12,000* |
| 2025 | 5 | $3,000 - $7,000* |
*In 2024 and 2025, the amounts included additional funding support from the State Bar Association of North Dakota due to the Rural Justice Judicial Clerkship Scholarships being funded under the Larson Fund.