Bar Prep Scholarship

Program Overview:
CJI's Young Professionals Committee offers a one-time scholarship to help graduating law school students defray the costs of preparation courses, licensure fees, or living expenses related to taking the bar exam.

Award Amount:

• $2,500 (one-time award)

Eligibility:

• Graduating law school students
• Preference given to students with demonstrated interest in public service

Geographic Scope:

• Colorado law schools
• Recent awardees were graduates of:
  • Sturm College of Law, University of Denver
  • University of Colorado Law School

Selection Criteria:
The scholarship committee will use the following criteria:

• Applicant's demonstrated interest in public service
• Description of how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals
• Authentic, compelling narrative essay
• Overall quality of the application

Tax Consideration:

• Note: This scholarship may be considered taxable income by the IRS. Applicants should consult a qualified tax advisor.

Past Awardees:

• 2025: Ella Ihrig (Spring 2025 graduate, Sturm College of Law, University of Denver) and Reya Roussel (Spring 2025 graduate, University of Colorado Law School)
• 2024: Katie Wynn (Spring 2024 graduate, Sturm College of Law, University of Denver)

Contact Information:

• Colorado Judicial Institute
• Phone: 303-766-7501
• Website: coloradojudicialinstitute.org

Application Process

Application Timeline:

• Application Period: April-May (annually)
• Application Deadline: Friday, May 30 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time (for 2026 cycle; next deadline will be May 30, 2027)
• Awardee Selection and Notification: Early June

Important Notes:

• Applications are time-stamped; no application submitted after the deadline will be considered
• Applications for the 2025 scholarship cycle are now closed

Required Materials:

1. Resume
2. Personal statement of experience or interest in public service
3. Narrative essay (300 words maximum)

Narrative Essay Prompts:
Applicants should address one or more of the following example prompts:

• A personal experience of yours with Colorado's judicial system
• Your view of the importance of Colorado's judicial system in civil society
• Critiques of Colorado's judicial system and where, in your view, it should improve

Selection Criteria:

• Applicant's demonstrated interest in public service
• Description of how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals
• Authentic, compelling narrative essay
• Overall quality of the application