IIT Chicago-Kent hosts 14th annual Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars program
A diverse group of 19 undergraduate students from 13 states will participate in a special three-week summer session at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. The Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program is designed to provide current college freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are interested in legal careers with exposure to the rigors of law school and contact with legal professionals. The PLUS program is also aimed at promoting diversity in the legal profession. This is the fourteenth consecutive summer IIT Chicago-Kent has offered the program, which will run from May 31 through June 20.
"The students participating in this year's PLUS program are high achievers who have demonstrated that they have both a passion for the legal profession and the skills and experience necessary to excel in law school and thrive in the legal profession," said Marsha Ross-Jackson, assistant dean for student professional development, who serves as PLUS program director.
The 2015 PLUS scholars are currently enrolled in 17 schools throughout the country. They attend Clark Atlanta University, College of Wooster, Dillard University, Illinois State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Kent State University, Kentucky State University, Marygrove College, and Morgan State University. Students also attend Northern Michigan University, Temple University, University of Houston, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Iowa, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Southern Indiana, and Virginia Union University.
During their time at IIT Chicago-Kent, the PLUS scholars will take courses adapted from the law school's curriculum and taught by law school faculty. Student activities typically run weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Students will visit state and federal courts, participate in a mock trial competition, learn about the law school admissions process, discuss career options, and meet leaders in the legal profession.
"I want to make students aware of the multiple career opportunities that exist for those with law degrees, either in traditional legal roles or non-traditional roles in business and other industries. I want to encourage our scholars to begin developing and maintaining relationships with professionals who are willing and able to help them navigate their careers. To that end, our PLUS program will provide participants with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to begin building professional networks and planning their career strategy," said Dean Ross-Jackson.
The intensive program gives participants the information necessary to pursue a legal education, if they choose. Several PLUS alumni are graduates of IIT Chicago-Kent. On May 17, 2015, two PLUS alumnae received their law degrees from the law school.
Founded in 1888, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law is the law school of Illinois Institute of Technology, also known as Illinois Tech, a private, technology-focused, research university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, science, architecture, business, design, human sciences, applied technology, and law.
