Root-Tilden-Kern Public Interest Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by New York University Law

The Root-Tilden-Kern Program, established in 1951, is recognized as the leading public service scholarship in the nation. Its alumni include some of the most influential public service attorneys currently practicing. The program provides full tuition coverage for three years of law school to exceptional students who demonstrate a commitment to public service, irrespective of their financial need.

Each year, the program selects 20 scholars based on their dedication to public service, academic prowess, and leadership potential. Besides full tuition, the scholars are also part of a program designed to cultivate future public service leaders by offering unique educational experiences, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

The program interprets public service in a broad sense, including policy and legal roles within government, non-profit organizations, academia, social entrepreneurship, community development, and law firms primarily dedicated to serving the public interest.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply for all public service scholarships that align with their interests and goals. Students who defer must reapply for scholarships in the spring prior to enrollment.

For scholarship applicants, in addition to completing the JD application, the following steps are required:

• Provide at least one additional letter of recommendation that speaks to your commitment to public service. If one of your two letters of recommendation already addresses your public service commitment, a third letter may not be necessary.
• Supplement your admissions personal statement with a concise public service essay of no more than 750 words. This essay should discuss your commitment to public service, your goals, and the factors that have most significantly influenced them, or any other aspects you deem relevant to your qualification for the scholarship(s).
• Read and acknowledge the statements in Section 11 of the Scholarship Programs in the JD application. Here, you can opt to apply for one or more scholarships.
• Attach your public service essay to your JD application, clearly identifying it as your scholarship essay. If you are admitted to the Law School, your entire admissions application will be reviewed by the Root-Tilden-Kern Selection Committee.
• The priority deadline for all programmatic scholarships is December 1, with a final deadline of January 1. Applicants selected for interviews will be notified between February and mid-March. Interviews will be conducted in March or April 2024. Scholarship offers will be extended shortly after the interviews. Finalists are expected to respond to these offers within three days. Therefore, applicants should plan to attend other schools’ admitted student days and gather any other necessary information to make a decision about the scholarship within three days of receiving an offer.