What scholarship assistance does the Foundation provide?
Each Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholar is eligible for consideration to receive a $30,000 tuition scholarship award. The Foundation makes three tuition grant awards each year to students beginning their first year of law school. These scholarship awards that are payable over three years in $10,000 per year increments. To be considered for such a tuition grant award, an applicant seeking recognition as a Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholar is encouraged to submit a FASFA form as part of the application process.
The Foundation also provides all 25 selected scholars:
Admissions related costs up to $5,000:
- LSAT Prep Course
- LSAT Exam and reporting fees
- Application fees
- Seat Deposit after law school acceptance.
Patent Bar related costs:
- Free PLI Patent Bar Prep Course
- Patent Bar Exam and registration fees
Student Membership in AIPLA and ABA
Travel and registration costs:
- Up to $1,000 to participate in the Loyola Patent Interview Program
- Travel to DC for Scholar Program Convocation in Spring of 1L year
- Up to $3,000 annually to participate in AIPLA or ABA Annual Meetings.
- For more details please view our Travel Guidelines: FADIPL Travel Guideline Sheet
Scholar Externship Stipend
- The Foundation provided two $5,000 stipends to a scholar who has secured an unpaid internship for the summer. Scholars will have to apply and get approved by FADIPL Leadership to get stipend
An Assigned FADIPL Mentor
How do I apply for Scholar recognition and scholarship assistance?
Applicants must complete an online application available at the link below before April 1 (11:59PM, EDT, March 31). A complete application consists of an online questionnaire, as well as copies of academic transcripts, a short personal statement, and a resume. For applicants seeking scholarship assistance, a FASFA form should also be provided. Complete instructions are provided on the website for providing the required materials.
What are the application deadlines for Scholar recognition and scholarship assistance?
Applicants seeking recognition as Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholars are encouraged to apply early in the process of seeking law school admission. Applications for the Scholar Program are accepted at any point prior to April 1 of the year during which law school admission is being sought, but can be made as early as January 1 of the preceding year. To be considered for a $30,000 tuition grant award, applications should be made prior to February 1 of the year during which law school admission is being sought to be assured of consideration.
Do I need to have a STEM education to apply for Scholar recognition?
Yes. Currently the Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholar Program is limited to individual who could become registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Normally, this requires a degree in a science or engineering field. Detailed information on the requirements for registration is available as part of the online application.
Is Scholar recognition limited to individuals from specified racial and ethnic groups?
No. Any student with an interest in the advancement of racial or ethnic groups that are underrepresented in the patent law profession in the United States may apply regardless of their individual racial or ethnic background. Applicants for Scholar recognition are required to self-identify with one or more racial-ethnic groups to receive consideration for Scholar recognition, but the applicant’s response will not be visible to or considered by the Scholar Application Committee in the review of the application. Demographic data pertaining to race and ethnicity will only be used to meet any reporting requirements or to analyze the efficacy of the Foundation’s operations after decisions have been rendered and the application cycle has concluded.
When are the recipients of Scholar recognition and scholarship assistance announced?
The Foundation review applications for Scholar recognition on a rolling basis throughout the year, but limits the announcements of new Scholars to no more than three or four times per year. The Foundation’s tuition grant awards are made once per year and recipients of these awards will normally receive a notification of the tuition grant prior to the time the recipient would be required to make “seat deposit” signifying acceptance of an offer of admission to law school.
Does the Foundation limit the number of individuals recognized each year as Scholars?
Yes. While the number of individuals recognized each year as Scholars has grown over the past several years, the Foundation currently expects to name no more than 25 new Scholars each year.