Last year, 373 students from Equal Justice Works member law schools earned education awards and gained legal experience at nonprofit organizations across the country. This year, you can do it, too!
Equal Justice Works is pleased to announce the launch of Summer Corps 2010. Summer Corps is an AmeriCorps-funded program that in 2010 will provide 577 law students with the opportunity to earn a $1,000 education award voucher for dedicating their summer to a qualifying legal project at a nonprofit public interest organization. Ninety-nine percent of law students last year said they would recommend the program to other law students, and with a series of improvements and policy changes this year, Summer Corps will be even more successful in 2010.
The application will be available on our website opens April 1, 2010 and closes April 16, 2010. Program highlights and changes for 2010 include:
• Course credit policy change: For the first time, Summer Corps members receiving course credit are eligible for the program. Visit the website for more details.
• Summer Corps Standout awards and publicity: The Summer Corps Standout program launched in 2009 to recognize members for their innovative approach to meeting the needs of an underserved or marginalized person or community. Winners received an article promoting their service on our public interest blog (top 10 nationally among all law blogs) and website. They are also qualified as finalists to receive an Equal Justice Works Exemplary Public Service Award for a Student or Student Group. Scott Burrill (University of Iowa College of Law ’10) became the first Summer Corps member to win an Exemplary Public Service Award for a Student.
• Improved efficiency: The paperwork requirements have been drastically reduced to further improve the service experience. The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is now available electronically and students are now able to apply the voucher soon after they finish their service.
• Being part of the movement: National service is as important as ever and law students play an important role. Summer Corps members have consistently reported that their summer internships solidified their commitment to public interest law, while reigniting their passion for the legal profession. As a result, Summer Corps has become a launching pad for the next generation of public interest attorneys.
