Herbert Lehman Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Introduction
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund administers a nationally competitive scholarship program that each year awards financial support to exceptional undergraduate and law students. Founded in 1964 and named for Herbert Lehman — the former Governor and U.S. Senator from New York — the scholarship honors his integrity, courage, and sustained advocacy for civil rights.

History and purpose
When the program began, Lehman Scholarships were targeted to help Black students gain access to previously segregated four‑year colleges and universities in the South and to expand the presence of Black Americans in the legal profession.

Current mission
Today the Fund’s goal is to help turn the promise of racial equality into tangible social, economic, and political progress by supporting talented undergraduates with demonstrated financial need so they can remain in school and complete their bachelor’s degree.

Programs and award length
- Undergraduate scholarships: Open to qualifying undergraduate students. Awards typically do not exceed four years.
- Law school scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are offered to law students committed to careers in public interest law. Law awards generally do not exceed three years.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the program description and eligibility requirements before submitting an application.

Eligibility
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a college graduate, an undergraduate in the final year of study, or a first‑year law student.
- Demonstrate a strong academic record.
- Show an ongoing commitment to racial justice and civil rights.
- Demonstrate financial need.

Application checklist
Your submission must include every item listed below:
- Completed scholarship application form.
- Copy of law school acceptance letter (for law applicants).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Current resume.
- Copy of your transcript from your present college or university (finalists will be asked to provide an official transcript).
- Essay.
- Personal statement.
- Copy of LSAT or GRE score (as applicable).
- Copy of your Student Aid Report (FAFSA). The FAFSA must show a dollar amount on the adjusted gross family/independent income line; if that field is not completed, include a tax return instead — parent/guardian tax return for dependent applicants or the applicant’s tax return if filed as an independent.
- Finalists will be required to submit a recent professional photograph (guideline: your face should occupy roughly 60% of the frame).

For additional information, consult the FAQs and the application materials before applying.