Equal Justice Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Grand Canyon Law Group

Equal Justice Scholarship — Grand Canyon Law Group

Introduction
We are a team of criminal defense attorneys who believe everyone deserves respect and fair representation, even when they’ve made mistakes. At Grand Canyon Law Group we balance the importance of accountability with a commitment to equality and access to justice. To support students who share these values and want to study issues related to the criminal justice system, we are pleased to offer the Equal Justice Scholarship.

Why this matters
Safe communities depend on both protection and fair process: people should feel secure at home, at work, and in public spaces, and the system should hold wrongdoers accountable without trampling rights. Too often, however, the criminal justice system lets people down—through overly harsh sentences, unequal access to quality representation, or even wrongful convictions. Those failures disproportionately affect some communities and leave people defenseless at critical moments. We think there is important work to be done to improve equality and fairness for everyone.

Scholarship prompt and expectations
We want thoughtful, well-written responses that combine personal reflection with practical reform ideas. Submit an 800-word essay that addresses both parts of the prompt:
- Describe ways in which the criminal justice system has failed you or someone close to you (this can be personal experience, a close family or community member’s experience, or a well-documented case).
- Propose concrete improvements: which policies would you reform, why, and how would those changes benefit your community and the nation?

Award and selection
One student will receive a $1,000 award. After the submission deadline, entries will be reviewed and the recipient of the Equal Justice Scholarship 2023 will be chosen during the month following the deadline.

Eligibility
- Current high school seniors, college students, or graduate students enrolled in a two‑year or four‑year degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university are eligible.
- International students who are studying at an accredited U.S. college or university are also eligible.
- Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing.

Application requirements
- An 800-word essay responding to the prompt above.
- A professional résumé that lists academic and professional experience plus current contact information.
- A transcript from your current school. First‑year college students, graduate students, or recent transfers may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school together with the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school applicants must also provide proof of acceptance to their college or university.
- Note: The scholarship recipient will be chosen in the month following the application deadline.

A few tips from a teacher
Write clearly, organize your thoughts, and proofread. Use specific examples when you can and explain the reasoning behind your policy suggestions—judges want to see both empathy and practical thinking.

We look forward to reading your ideas and supporting the next generation of students who care about justice and equality.