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California Lawyers Foundation Scholarship Awards

On September 22, 2026, the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) proudly announced the awarding of 12 scholarships targeted at high school, undergraduate, and law school students across the state of California. With these scholarships, totaling $56,500, CLF aims to enhance financial access to legal education for students who display a significant commitment to civic engagement and the future of California's legal system. This year's selection process attracted an unprecedented number of applicants, reflecting a nearly 80% surge in submissions compared to the previous year.

A Commitment to Diversity

As the charitable arm of the California Lawyers Association (CLA), which boasts over 50,000 members, CLF is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. The increasing number of applications underscores a vital need for scholarships that can alleviate the financial burdens often associated with pursuing a law degree. Jerrilyn Malana, CLF President, commented on this pressing issue, stating, "We are committed to educating students about opportunities within the law and providing resources to help them achieve their goals." The foundation seeks to create a diverse pipeline for future lawyers, judges, and legal professionals.

Rigorous Selection Process

To be considered for the scholarships, applicants had to fulfill a selection of criteria, which included academic performance, work and volunteer experiences, and the strength of their connection to their community. An essential component was the essay requirement, where students articulated how their personal experiences could influence the future of law and legal practice. Janett Cabanero, CLF Deputy Director, shared her awe at the inspiring narratives of applicants stating, "Every person applying for one of our scholarships was incredibly deserving. Their stories of perseverance and wanting to impact change are inspiring."

Innovative Educational Programs

In addition to awarding scholarships, CLF is also involved in various unique programs aimed at equipping students with the knowledge necessary for a legal career. Through the California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC), CLF integrates civics, law, and ethics education within high school classrooms across California, involving 28 law academies. This three-year program commences during the sophomore year and allows students to learn from both academic and legal professionals. Beyond classroom instruction, students engage in activities such as observing court proceedings, participating in mock trials, and learning about various legal career paths. Each year, over 3,100 students participate in these academies, many of whom continue their education at college.

Investment in the Future

Chris Nguyen, the Chief Executive Officer of CLA, reinforces the mission of CLA and CLF in boosting excellence and fairness in access to justice while supporting diversity: "I'm pleased California Lawyers Association is able to continue investing in the State's diverse student population by awarding these scholarships." Malana emphasizes the importance of donor and sponsor contributions to support these transformative educational opportunities, adding, "Investing in scholarships opens doors, removes barriers, and empowers the next generation to shape the future of our legal profession. CLF is incredibly grateful to our benefactors."

Scholarship Recipients

This year, CLF is excited to honor the following outstanding scholarship recipients:

• - Justice Pathways Scholarship for Law Students:

- Mayte Alonzo – University of San Francisco School of Law (USF)
- Frances Carrasco – University of San Francisco School of Law (USF)
- Robert Gan – University of California, Los Angeles School of Law (UCLA)
- Grant Van Gorp – California Western School of Law (CWSL)
- Elise Higgs – Santa Clara University School of Law (SCU)
- Daniela Meneses – Loyola Law School (LMU)
- Taylor Westbrook – University of California, Berkeley School of Law (UCB)

• - Future Jurist Scholarship for Undergraduate Students:

- Jaden Fiel – University of California, Irvine (UCI)
- Sibraim Jr. Marin – University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)
- Jenna Nguyen – University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
- Nayeli Ruiz Santiago – University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

• - California Legal Pathways Collaborative High School Scholarship:

- Elen Israelyn – Bullard High School, Fresno, entering University of California, Irvine (UCI)

Conclusion

The California Lawyers Foundation remains determined to enhance educational opportunities for aspiring legal professionals through its robust scholarship program and innovative initiatives aimed at cultivating a diverse and capable future generation. For those interested in supporting CLF's efforts, more information is available at calawyersfoundation.org.