Many law students often limit themselves to only that aid which can be easily obtained through their schools. This is often a mistake. There are, in fact, numerous privately sponsored scholarships to which students can apply independently of their law schools.

In recent years, there has been a noteworthy expansion in the offerings of aid by private industry and business foundations, private memorial foundations, government fellowship programs, private educational funds, special interest groups, civic organizations and clubs, religious organizations, unions, local bar associations, organizations for the handicapped, as well as ethnic and nationality groups.

Most private scholarships are sponsored by organizations with special interests and are awarded to students who share those interests. In researching such scholarships, students should make inquiries with any or all of the religious/cultural/community/volunteer organizations and associations with which they and/or their families are affiliated and research any educational employee benefits that they or their family members may be eligible for.

Outside sources of aid can make a significant contribution toward financing an education. This array of aid encompasses low interest loans as well as grants. Need is frequently, but not always, a factor in receiving aid.

There are several ways to learn about these scholarships. The Office of Financial Aid has produced a publication, A Guide to Outside Sources (PDF), to assist students in learning about outside scholarships, fellowships, grants and loan programs available to defray the cost of a legal education. The most up to date version can be found on the Office of Financial Aid homepage on the BLS web site. This guide may also be helpful in obtaining the names of various agencies from which to acquire further information about organizations sponsoring scholarship programs. The Office of Financial Aid keeps may of these applications on file, and will be happy to assist in the completion of applications or in the forwarding of any necessary correspondence to verify attendance at BLS. To obtain further information on outside scholarships, students should call at (718) 780-7915, or email finaid@brooklaw.edu.

We strongly urge you to visit the following web sites to aid you in your scholarship search:

www.fastweb.com
www.nysfaaa.org
www.finaid.org

Note: As many scholarship deadlines occur during the academic year preceding the desired award year, students who are serious about obtaining these funds are encouraged to begin their scholarship search approximately one year prior to attending Law School.