A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Biennial Evaluation Report - FY 93-94

Chapter 520

Assistance for Training in the Legal Profession

(CFDA No. 84.136)

I. Program Profile

Legislation: The Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, Title IX, Part F, Section 961, as amended by P.L. 102-325 (20 U.S.C. 1134s) (expires September 30, 1997).

Purpose: To help minority, low income, or educationally disadvantaged college graduates successfully pursue a law degree and serve in the legal profession by supporting law school preparation and providing stipends.

Funding History

Fiscal Year	Appropriation	Fiscal Year	Appropriation
1974	$ 750,000	1987	1,500,000
1975	750,000	1988	1,915,000
1980	1,000,000	1989	1,892,000
1981	1,000,000	1990	2,468,000
1982	960,000	1991	2,928,000
1983	1,000,000	1992	3,045,000
1984	1,000,000	1993	2,991,000
1985	1,500,000	1994	2,991,000
1986	1,435,000

II. Program Information and Analysis

Population Targeting

This program is administered by a single grantee, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO). All program participants must qualify as college graduates who are minority, low income, or educationally disadvantaged. Financial (low income) eligibility is determined by information provided by applicants on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Academic qualifications reflecting the probability of success in law school also are required.

Services

Working through participating law schools, CLEO helped 142 students from disadvantaged backgrounds gain admission to law school in 1993. These students joined the 144 second-year and 157 third-year participants. Stipends for all students increased from $4,400 in FY 1992 to $5,050 in FY 1993. For FY 1994, different stipends were awarded, depending on the year in law school: $6,000 to first-year students, $5,200 to second-year students, and $5,000 to third-year students. In addition, some participating law schools waive all or part of tuition and fees for program fellows. In an effort to better assure the academic success of CLEO Fellows, a comprehensive student retention initiative is underway that will provide tutorial and mentoring services by CLEO alumni.

III. Sources of Information

Program files.

IV. Planned Studies

While not a formal study, the CLEO Alumni Identification and Location Project, which is an integral part of the new student retention initiative, should result in the acquisition of data regarding the employment, income, additional education, and other data of past CLEO participants.

V. Contacts for Further Information

Program Operations:: Janice Wilcox, (202) 260-3207
Program Studies:: Frank Forman, (202) 401-0182

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[Law School Clinical Experience Program]

[Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship Program]