Nonprofit Surprises 2L Mia Bartolomei-Negron with Generous Scholarship

A female law student is presented with an oversized check representing a $40,000 scholarship.
Left to right: 2L Mia Bartolomei-Negron, Dean Benjamin Barros, AccessLEX financial advisor LeAndra Ross

Given her focus on tax law, April 15 was always going to be a significant date for Stetson 2L and J.D./M.B.A. candidate Mia Bartolomei-Negron.

But Tax Day 2024 – Monday, April 15 – will now hold even greater significance for her.

Faculty, staff, and students gathered in Crummer Courtyard in the early afternoon to surprise her with the news that she was one of three law students in the nation – and the first ever in Florida – to be awarded the 2024-2025 MAX by AccessLex® $40,000 Grand Prize Scholarship.

Naturally, the fanfare included an oversized check.

A welcome surprise

The scholarship will cover costs associated with her 3L year.

Bartolomei-Negron said she was “absolutely shocked” when she was presented with the check – but thrilled about the significant financial relief.

“It was completely unexpected, but it came at the perfect time,” she said. “With my 3L year right around the corner, I feel incredibly grateful and at peace that my last year’s tuition will be completely covered. Thank you, Access Lex, for this wonderful gift.”

Supporting student financial literacy

Bartolomei-Negron was surprised for a good reason.

Nonprofit legal and financial education organization AccessLex supports law students in a variety of ways, including offering free insights on financial health as well as webinars via MAX by AccessLex®. The program automatically enters participating students into the drawings for multiple scholarships of varying financial awards, from $5,000 to $40,000.

Most American Bar Association-accredited law schools participate in the program. This means Bartolomei-Negron was one of thousands of students in the running.

Financial coach LeAndra Ross traveled to campus to present the award.

“I am excitedly here today to let you know, Mia, that you have been the winner of our $40,000 scholarship out of thousands – thousands ­– of students who have engaged in this program, which is free to any of you who are law students,” she said.

See previous scholarship winners. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at Stetson Law.

Post date: April 16

Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
[email protected] | 727-430-1580
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