Diversity Scholarship Grants

Diversity Scholarship Grants

Diversity Scholarship Grants

Overview

Encouraging diversity and inclusion within the field of ADR

The Diversity Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This fund supports individuals and institutions committed to advancing knowledge, skills, and inclusive leadership in ADR.

INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Fund provides financial assistance of up to $2,000 to students or professionals. This support can be used towards:

· Degree program or fellowship in alternative dispute resolution
· Conference or training program in alternative dispute resolution 

The goal is to empower diverse leaders and professionals in ADR by helping them access education and training opportunities that advance their careers and enhance inclusivity within the field.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LAW STUDENTS AT HBCUs

The AAA-ICDR Foundation partners with law schools at two historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) – Howard University and North Carolina Central University – that offer certificates in dispute resolution. Key details include:

· $50,000 awarded annually to each law school.
· Scholarships specifically for second- and third-year law students pursuing certificates in dispute resolution.
· Recipients are selected each year in September by the respective law schools
$501K+
IN GRANTS FUNDED
Since inception the Foundation has funded $501,637 in Diversity Scholarship Grants.
$1,655
IN AVERAGE GRANT 2022
The average Diversity Scholarship grant amount in 2022.
$16K+
HBCU SCHOLAR RECIPIENTS
The Average HBCU Diversity Scholarship Grant in 2023 was $16,000.
72
SCHOLAR RECIPIENTS
Since inception, the Foundation has awarded 72 Diversity Scholarships.
Meet The Scholar Recipients
Meet The Scholar Recipients
"The exposure to arbitration and commercial law that I will gain through the LL.M., will help me achieve the right balance between the expertise required by arbitration lawyers and the general understanding of business required by commercial lawyers, thereby making me a more informed arbitration practitioner."
Ashita Alag LLM Program at Harvard Law School
See all Scholars
Application Information

Eligibility

  1. Member of group that has been historically underrepresented in the alternative dispute resolution profession and/or ability to bring a diverse perspective to the field as a result of adaptability, cultural fluency, resilience, and life experiences and/or a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
  2. Acceptance in a degree program or fellowship in alternative dispute resolution or confirmation of registration at a well-recognized conference or training program in alternative dispute resolution.
  3. Need for financial assistance.

Both individual and group applications are eligible. For group applications, all individuals must complete an application and be submitted at the same time by the organization. Group applications are limited to 10 applicants per group annually.

In order to award as many eligible applicants as possible with scholarships, the total amount of scholarship funds will not exceed $2,000 per individual. Once the maximum total of $2,000 has been reached for an individual (either in varying amounts or as a single award), the AAA-ICDR Foundation Diversity Scholarship Committee will not award additional scholarship funds to that individual. 

Payment of Scholarship

If approved, a check or money transfer will be made payable directly to the institution offering the degree program or, in the case of attendance at a conference or fellowship, to the recipient upon submission of the confirmed conference registration or notice of fellowship acceptance.

Please note: funds for approved conference or program registration, transportation and/or hotel will be reimbursed upon proof of payment. 

Scholarship Application Requirements

Completion of the online application, complete with all required attachments, including:

  • JPEG Photograph
  • One-page cover letter of interest including details of qualifying ADR degree program, fellowship or well-recognized conference
  • Supporting program materials showing acceptance to an ADR degree program or fellowship or registration to a well-recognized ADR conference
  • Biography to be used for announcement of scholarship awards

Review

The review process will be competitive. Not all applicants will receive award funding. Applicants that do not complete the application as required or do not provide the necessary documentation will be automatically denied. Criteria for review will be:

  1. Content and quality of application materials
  2. Demonstrated interested in ADR
  3. Demonstrated financial need
  4. Any other relevant factors

Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly until appropriated funds are expended.

Application Form

If you meet the eligibility criteria above, and are ready to provide the required information (photograph, cover letter, etc.) outlined above, please click on the Online Application Form link below to register and begin the application process.

Online Application Form

Application Form

If you meet the eligibility criteria above, and are ready to provide the required information (photograph, cover letter, etc.) outlined above, please click on the Online Application Form link below to register and begin the application process.

Online Application Form
Meet the Scholarship Recipients.
Meet the Scholars