Root-Tilden-Kern Public Interest Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by New York University Law

Overview The Root-Tilden-Kern Program is the country’s leading public service scholarship. Founded in 1951, it has a long record of producing influential public-interest lawyers. The award pays full tuition for three years of law school (awarded without regard to financial need) to exceptional candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to careers in public service. In addition to tuition, recipients join a program that cultivates future leaders through targeted coursework, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Selection criteria and scope of public service Each annual cohort is chosen based on three factors: demonstrated commitment to public service, strong academic achievement, and leadership potential. “Public service” is interpreted broadly and includes roles in government and policy, nonprofit organizations, academia, social entrepreneurship, community development, and law firms primarily dedicated to the public interest. Named scholarships The program also includes several named scholarships that concentrate on particular issue areas. Recipients of those awards take part in all Root-Tilden-Kern activities and are selected through the same application and review process. Applicants may apply to any of the program’s scholarships that align with their goals. Applicants who defer enrollment must reapply for scholarships during the spring before they matriculate. Application requirements (in addition to the JD application) - Provide at least one additional letter of recommendation specifically addressing your commitment to public service. If one of your two standard recommendations already speaks directly to that commitment, a third letter is optional. - Add a public service essay (maximum 500 words) supplementing your admissions personal statement. The essay should outline your commitment to public service, your goals, and the key influences that shaped them, or other material you believe supports your suitability for the scholarship(s). - Review and acknowledge the relevant statements in Section 11 (Scholarship Programs) of the JD application, and indicate which scholarship(s) you wish to be considered for. - Attach the public service essay to your JD application and label it clearly as your scholarship essay. If you are offered admission to the Law School, your full admissions file will be shared with and evaluated by the Root-Tilden-Kern Selection Committee. Timeline and interview process - Priority deadline for programmatic scholarships: December 1. - Final deadline for scholarship applications: January 1. - Applicants selected for interviews will be notified between February and mid-March. - Interviews will take place in March or April 2026. - Scholarship offers will be extended shortly after interviews conclude. Finalists must accept or decline offers within three days of notification. Because of this short decision window, applicants should plan to attend other admitted-student events and collect any information needed to decide promptly.