Among MAPLA’s highest priorities is to support pre-law advising professionals working in higher education institutions across the Midwest. Established in 2022 with generous support from long-serving Board of Directors member Don Racheter, the Racheter DEI Membership Scholarship program is designed to foster increased access and participation in MAPLA by providing support to pre-law advisors from diverse or underrepresented groups; and/or advisors providing pre-law advising services at institutions that serve students from diverse and underrepresented populations within the legal profession.
Membership scholarships are available to individuals providing pre-law advising services at 2- and 4- year institutions located in the Midwest, including Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin. Scholarship recipients receive complimentary membership to MAPLA for one membership year (September 1 through August 31 of the following year).
Eligibility:
Scholarships are available to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- The applicant provides pre-law advising services at his/her/their institution located within the Midwest and identifies as an individual from a diverse or underrepresented group; and/or,
- 4-year Historically Black College and University (HCBU) or Minority Serving Institution (MSI) located within the Midwest; and/or,
- The applicant provides pre-law advising services at a 2-year college located within the Midwest.
To Apply: Applicants may be nominated or self-nominated by completing the online Nomination Form.
Deadline: Applications are considered on a rolling basis by the DEI Awards Committee. Questions regarding the Scholarship may be directed to: [email protected].
Renewal: Scholarships may be extended, but applicants must re-apply annually by August 1. Applicants who request an extension of the membership scholarship beyond one year must provide a statement, along with their request, showing tangible evidence of their contribution, advancement, and/or work within MAPLA. Scholarship renewals may not exceed two years (three years total). Renewal requests may be sent to [email protected].