Mississippi Striving for Justice Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Van Cleave Law

Overview

The Striving for Justice Scholarship, offered by Van Cleave Law, supports students who actively stand up for others and promote justice in their local communities. The scholarship is open to students attending or preparing to attend college in the United States and emphasizes community impact and advocacy. Applicants demonstrate their commitment through a written essay describing local injustices they address and how others can get involved. The program aligns the firm’s mission of pursuing justice with efforts to support the next generation of community leaders.

Description: A merit-based scholarship awarded to a U.S. college student who best articulates how they fight for justice in their community.

• Designed for students committed to community advocacy and justice.
• Requires a focused essay describing local issues and engagement strategies.
• Administered by Van Cleave Law to support emerging leaders.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to attend an accredited community college, undergraduate, or graduate program within the United States. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to qualify. The scholarship targets students who can clearly describe how they stand up for others and address injustice in their local communities. Only applicants meeting these academic and geographic criteria will be considered.

Eligibility: Enrollment in a U.S. accredited postsecondary program and a minimum 3.0 GPA, plus a qualifying essay.

• Open to community college, undergraduate, and graduate students in the U.S.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required.
• Essay must demonstrate community impact and advocacy.

Application

A complete application consists of a resume, a current academic transcript showing cumulative GPA, and an essay of 1,000 words or fewer. The essay must explain how the applicant stands up for others and fights for justice within their local community and may include suggestions for how others can get involved. Applications should present clear, verifiable information so the selection committee can assess impact and qualifications. Submitted materials form the basis for selecting the recipient.

Application: Resume, transcript, and a 1,000-word-or-less essay explaining the applicant’s community justice work.

• Resume with current contact information required.
• Transcript must clearly show cumulative GPA.
• Essay limited to 1,000 words and focused on community advocacy.

Award Value

The scholarship awards a single recipient $1,000 to assist with educational expenses. Selection is based on the applicant’s essay and how effectively it demonstrates commitment to justice and community impact. The award is intended to reduce financial barriers and recognize leadership in advocacy. Funds are disbursed to support the recipient’s continued education.

Award Value: $1,000 scholarship awarded to the applicant who best meets the selection criteria.

• Single $1,000 award to the selected recipient.
• Decision based primarily on the submitted essay and demonstrated impact.
• Purpose is to support education and recognize advocacy efforts.

History of the Award

Van Cleave Law established the Striving for Justice Scholarship in 2019 to support students who pursue justice and community service. The program reflects the firm’s focus on obtaining justice for clients and extends that mission to encouraging civic engagement among students. Since its inception, the scholarship has aimed to help the next generation succeed while highlighting the importance of standing up for others. The award continues as an annual opportunity for qualifying students in the United States.

History of the Award: Launched in 2019 by Van Cleave Law to support student advocates and advance community justice.

• Founded in 2019 to promote justice-oriented student leadership.
• Created by Van Cleave Law as part of its community engagement efforts.
• Intended to encourage and financially support emerging advocates.