In early 2023, with the assistance from Judge Kwame Rowe and the Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee conversations began on developing a scholarship for high school seniors in Oakland County who were interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession. After several discussions and planning meetings with the OCBA board, Oakland County Bar Foundation trustees, and OCBA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the Diversity in the Legal Profession Scholarship Fund was born.

The scholarship fund is being held by the Oakland County Bar Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. OCBA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee will administers the scholarship fund with oversight from the  OCBA and OCBF boards. A subcommittee of the DEI Committee act as judges by reviewing the applications, discussing the responses and event conducting virtual interviews when necessary.
 

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
The scholarship will be awarded to an Oakland County resident who is currently a high school senior graduating in spring of 2026 who is interested in attending law school in the future. Individuals who are in the process of earning their GED may also be considered. 

In 2025-2026, two scholarships at $5,000 each will be awarded. Each year the amount awarded will depend on contributions to the scholarship fund throughout the prior year.

Scholarships are awarded based on the following criteria:
•    Family financial need
•    Student academic performance
•    Student career goals
•    Oakland County resident
•    Student extracurricular activities including but not limited to school clubs, employment, and/or community service
•    Interest in law school
 

HOW TO APPLY
The DEI Committee is now accepting applications through January 30, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. If you know a student who meets the qualifications, we encourage you to pass the application along to them. The application can be found by clicking the link on the right side of this page. 

The DEI Committee will review all applications and interview finalists. The scholarship winners will be announced later in the spring. 

For more information about honor/memorial donations, please email Katie Tillinger or call (248) 334-3400.