NAELA Future Advocates Scholarship Program – $3,500 – Deadline: April 1, 2026

The NAELA Future Advocates Scholarship Program is designed to increase law student exposure to elder and special needs law by financially supporting their enrollment in a qualifying academic course. The programs fosters early interest in this vital and evolving practice area and helped build a more diverse and inclusive pipeline of future advocates committee to serving older adults and individuals with disabilities.


Scholarship Overview

Scholarships are available to current JD students at ABA-accredited law schools who wish to take a course in elder law, disability law, or special needs planning as part of their academic program.

Award Details

Each scholarship recipient will receive:

  • $3,500 in tuition support to cover one qualifying 2 – 3 credit course. 
  • A complimentary one-year NAELA student membership 
  • Access to networking opportunities through NAELA’s student and emerging attorney initiatives. 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school (full-time or part-time).  
  • Have completed at least one semester of law school. 
  • Intend to enroll in a course focused on elder law, special needs law, or related topics in the upcoming academic year.
  • Not have previously received this scholarship.

Qualifying Courses

Eligible courses must:

  • Be offered for credit by a U.S. law school.  
  • Focus on elder law, special needs law, guardianship/conservatorship, public benefits, or closely related area.  
  • By taught by qualified faculty or offered through a recognized, clinical program or externship. 

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit an online application form including:

  • Personalized statement (500 – 750 words) addressing:
    •  Interest in elder or special needs law
    • Career goals
    • How the course supports their academic and professional development
    • Statement of financial need or barriers to access
  • Unofficial Law School Transcript  
  • Course Description or syllabus 
  • Resume or CV
  • Letter of support or recommendation

How to Apply

  • The NAELA Foundation is accepting applications through April 1, 2026. Apply Today.
  • Notification: Within 30 days of the deadline.

More information is available at: Future Advocates Law School Scholarship Program NAELA Foundation

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