The University of California, Irvine School of Law (UCI Law) and Thrive Scholars have established a scholarship initiative for graduating Thrive Scholars and alumni. Through this scholarship initiative, graduating Thrive Scholars and alumni interested in the study of law, including those in the Thrive Scholars Law Pathway, will be able to obtain an affordable legal education at one of the nation’s top public law schools.
The initiative guarantees a minimum scholarship for Thrive Scholars who have completed an undergraduate or graduate program and are later admitted into UCI Law’s Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. Successful applicants admitted to UCI Law, who are part of this scholarship initiative, will receive a minimum $90,000 tuition scholarship over three years — available for both residents and nonresidents — to help offset the costs of attending UCI Law.
To be eligible for the guaranteed scholarship, applicants must have academic credentials (a minimum UGPA and LSAT score) meeting or exceeding the median UGPA and LSAT scores for the UCI Law entering J.D. class of the prior year. Thrive Scholars who surpass the required minimum LSAT and UGPA criteria may be eligible for additional scholarship assistance. Even students with credentials lower than the requirements may still receive substantial scholarship support. Prospective students can submit applications as early as September of the preceding year of their intended enrollment. Early applications are encouraged due to the rolling admissions process. The deadline for Binding Early Decision Applications is November 15 each year.
Thrive Scholars and its Law Pathway provide tremendous preparation for students interested in law school and Thrive Scholars’ emphasis on mentorship, community and equity dovetails perfectly with UCI Law’s commitment to inclusive excellence.Austen L. Parrish, UCI Law Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law
Founded in 2001 in South Central Los Angeles with a mission rooted in equity, Thrive Scholars is dedicated to helping high-achieving, underrepresented students from economically disadvantaged communities get into and graduate from top colleges equipped to achieve their full career potential. Thrive Scholars provides a multi-stage, integrated program of support throughout college with college access and success coaching, academic and social-emotional support, career development, Alumni support and networking.
Since its founding, the organization has expanded its reach across the nation with its Summer Academy program; a six-week academically rigorous program over two summers to prepare high school students for the rigors of college with 350+ hours of math and English taught by college professors on a college campus.
As part of its program offerings, Thrive Scholars has partnered with leading law firms to create a Thrive Scholars Law Pathway. The dedicated program equips Thrive Scholars with the necessary tools and support to excel in law school and beyond. Tailored to each Scholar’s individual needs, the program includes mentorship, potential internships at law firms, legal career training, LSAT prep, law school admissions guidance, and ongoing assistance throughout law school. UCI Law’s scholarship initiative adds another layer of support to Thrive Scholars’ Law Pathway Scholars in their pursuit of an affordable legal education. In addition, UCI Law Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Financial Services Cristina Gapasin Tortal will serve on the Thrive Scholars Law Pathway’s advisory council.
“Thrive Scholars and its Law Pathway provide tremendous preparation for students interested in law school and Thrive Scholars’ emphasis on mentorship, community and equity dovetails perfectly with UCI Law’s commitment to inclusive excellence,” said UCI Law Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law Austen L. Parrish. “From our community pipeline programs for high school and college students, to our Career Development Office’s robust services, UCI Law shares Thrive Scholars’ deeply held belief that early support matters at every point on the education continuum from prospective law student to newly minted attorney. We’re proud of this partnership that will provide talented Thrive Scholars a pathway to a promising future in law.”
Public service, pro bono, experiential learning, and a founding mission to provide students from underrepresented backgrounds access to legal education are core commitments at UCI Law. The school’s Michael G. Ermer Pro Bono program may be the largest of its kind in the nation, and all students must complete a clinic experience prior to graduation. Nearly half of UCI Law’s J.D. graduates identify as people of color, and over 25 percent of the Law School’s Class of 2026 J.D. students identify as first-generation.
In addition, UCI is a Minority Serving Institution, known for its Black Thriving Initiative and designated as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). UCI is also known as one of the best universities in the country for advancing upward mobility of its students. Students from all backgrounds and life experiences, including many first-generation students, are supported by a deeply committed and talented professional staff.
Michelle Jackson, Director of Thrive Scholars Law Career Pathway
“The UCI and Thrive Scholars Law Pathway Scholarship represents a transformative opportunity for our Scholars, empowering them to pursue their passion for law without financial constraints,” said Michelle Jackson, Director of Thrive Scholars Law Career Pathway. “With this support, we can nurture a diverse cohort of aspiring legal professionals poised to offer fresh perspectives and address pressing societal issues. Our esteemed Lead Law Pathway Sponsors, Kirkland & Ellis and Pillsbury, are dedicated partners in our mission to equalize opportunities for underrepresented students pursuing legal careers, fostering positive change in our communities.”
A leader in innovation and reinventing legal education, UCI Law has announced various partnerships designed to recruit talented students to the Law School. Most recently, collaborations have occurred to recruit talented social ecology, engineering, humanities and international students. UCI Law has also announced collaborations with national nonprofit organizations. Read about Pathways to UCI Law to learn more about these innovative collaborations and UCI Law’s strong commitment to providing meaningful, and affordable, pathways for students to advance their law school career.
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