ยป First Generation Scholars Program

The First Generation Scholars Program is for all law students who are first in their family to earn a college degree. It is designed to enhance academic success, professional development, and personal growth. The program is run by the offices of Admission, Academic Achievement, Career Services, Library, and Student Affairs.

  • Fall 2023 Events
  • Spring 2024 Events
  • Review The WRIT for RSVP information and program updates. 

    Gearing up for Law School as a First Gen Student
    Upper-level First Gen students will share what they wish they knew as they prepared to start law school, and answer your questions as you prepare for Orientation!
    August 7th, Time TBD, via Zoom  

    Kick-Off Luncheon
    Hear about the First Generation Scholars Program, discover law school resources, and connect with upper-division first generation students!
    August 23, 11:45 am, Room 237 AB

    Academic Excellence Workshop: Study Groups + Study Aids = Success
    This session will cover how to use study groups, study aids, and hypos effectively to maximize your learning.
    September 6, 11:45 am, Room 237 AB

    Ice Cream Social
    Catch up with your First Gen peers about your law school experience so far and decompress with cold treats!
    October 11, 11:45 am, Location TBD

    Law School 101
    Journal?  Clinic?  Competitions?  Clerkships?  Come learn some of the fundamentals of the legal education process and how to navigate through all the options.  
    October 25, 11:45 am, Room 237 AB

    Career and Professional Development: Diversity Fellowships - How to Stand Out as a Candidate
    Learn about diversity fellowships and how to prepare effective application materials. Get tips from law firm DEI committee members and hiring professionals! Information will be distributed via email in October.

    Academic Excellence Workshop: Final Exam Q&A
    This session gives you an opportunity to hear from upper-division first generation students on preparing for and taking in-person final exams.
    November 16, 11:45 am, Room 237 AB

  • Review The WRIT for RSVP information and program updates. 

    Academic Excellence Workshop: Professor Panel
    Hear from a panel of professors about their advice on how to engage with professors and office hours to maximize academic success moving forward.
    January 10, 11:45 am, Room TBD

    Career and Professional Development Workshop: Network or Not Work
    Learn practical networking skills from alumni who have leveraged their networks for career success.
    February 22, 11:45 am, Room 237A

    End of Year Social
    Mix, mingle, and unwind before finals!
    April 17, 11:45 am, Location TBD


Mentor Programs

We enable opportunities for first-year students to connect with upper-division first-generation students and arrange mentorships for 2L and 3L students with first-generation alumni.


Contact Us

If you are a current student or alumnus interested in learning more about the First Generation Scholars Program, please contact Camille Heenan, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at heenan@chapman.edu.