That’s why it is our priority to ensure that those who have previously been barred from participating in shaping our society - those that are Indigenous, Black and people of colour - have access and the supports necessary to ensure their success.
This Black History Month, one landmark initiative to highlight is the Common Law Black Students Entrance Scholarship. Established in 2020, this prestigious entrance scholarship provides $20,000 to up to five Black law students: $10,000 upon entering, renewable for $5,000 in each of their second and third years of law school.
By removing financial barriers, the entrance scholarship helps attract more amazing Black law students who may not otherwise have access to this valuable education. Below, you can read how this fund has impacted 2 recent recipients, and if you would like to contribute to this fund and help ensure the continued progress towards equitable access to law school, we know your contribution will make a difference for future students too!
“I grew up in a community lacking resources and role models. Surrounding me were community members and society telling me that pursuing a legal education was too big of a dream for me to achieve.”
Desron Harry
— 2L Student
“I grew up in a community lacking resources and role models. Surrounding me were community members and society telling me that pursuing a legal education was too big of a dream for me to achieve. I did achieve it; however, I did not know how I would pay for it.
"The Common Law Black Students Entrance Scholarship made getting a legal education possible and less mentally burdensome. Mental energy that would otherwise be spent worrying about tuition and living expenses was redirected to focussing on succeeding in law school. For example, in my first year of law school, I was an assistant editor for the Ottawa Law Review (OLR), a member of the Governance Committee of the Common Law Student Society, and a member of the Black Law Students' Association. I will enter my second year as a legal writing leader with the Legal Writing Academy, and associate editor for the OLR. Because of this scholarship, I worry less about paying tuition and focus on excelling in school and giving back to my community.” - Desron Harry
“With my financial and equity concerns eased, I am able to focus on the most rewarding and fun parts of law school, learning and building relationships.”
Anonymous
— 2L student
“The Common Law Black Students Entrance Scholarship alleviates my concerns and brings relief. This scholarship is monumental, and significantly lowers the financial burden of Law school for me, saving me from crippling debt. I now have 20,000 more reasons to feel welcomed and supported as a young black student. With my financial and equity concerns eased, I am able to focus on the most rewarding and fun parts of law school, learning and building relationships.”
Anonymous student recipient.