Root-Tilden-Kern Public Interest Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by New York University Law

Brief overview The Root-Tilden-Kern Program is one of the nation’s premier public service scholarships. Founded in 1951, it awards full tuition for three years of law school to students who show strong promise for a career in public service. Alumni include many of today’s leading public-interest attorneys. Who they’re looking for Each year scholars are chosen on three core criteria: - Commitment to public service - Academic excellence - Potential for leadership What the program provides In addition to full tuition (awarded without regard to financial need), scholars join a program that offers mentoring, focused educational experiences, and an extensive public‑service network designed to prepare future public-interest leaders. How the program defines “public service” Public service is interpreted broadly. It includes work in: - Government or public policy - Non-profit organizations - Academia - Social entrepreneurship and community development - Law firms whose primary mission is serving the public interest Special named scholarships Several named scholarships within the Root‑Tilden‑Kern Program concentrate on particular issues. Recipients of those awards take part in all Root‑Tilden‑Kern activities and are selected through the same application and review process. Applicants may apply to any of the public service scholarships that match their interests. If you defer admission, you must reapply for scholarships in the spring before you enroll. Application checklist (what you must submit) In addition to completing the JD application, scholarship applicants must: - Submit at least one additional letter of recommendation that specifically addresses your commitment to public service. If one of your two standard letters already addresses this, a third letter is optional. - Add a short public-service essay (maximum 500 words). Use it to describe your commitment, goals, and the main influences on that commitment — or any other material that supports your qualification for the scholarship(s). - Read and acknowledge the relevant statements in Scholarship Programs Section 11 of the JD application, where you can select one or more scholarships to apply for. - Attach your public-service essay to your JD application and clearly identify it as your scholarship essay. Note: If you are admitted, your full admissions file will be submitted to the Root‑Tilden‑Kern Selection Committee. Deadlines and timeline — plan ahead - Priority deadline for programmatic scholarships: December 1 - Final deadline for scholarship applications: January 1 - Candidates selected for interviews will be notified between February and mid‑March. - Interviews will be held in March or April 2026. - Scholarship offers follow shortly after interviews. Finalists are expected to respond within three days. A practical tip from a teacher: because finalists must reply very quickly, plan to attend admitted‑student events at other schools and gather whatever information you need before interviews, so you can make an informed decision within the three‑day window. If you want, I can help you draft the 500‑word public‑service essay or review your letter that addresses service commitment.