Chicago-Kent welcomes 21 students to the 2018 Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars Program

A diverse group of 21 undergraduate students is participating this June in Chicago-Kent's 17th annual Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program, designed to introduce undergraduates who are interested in legal careers to the rigors of law school and to successful legal professionals. The PLUS program is aimed at promoting diversity in the legal profession. Students began their first week of classes June 4 at the law school.

"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 Assistant Dean Marsha Ross-Jackson, who serves as director of the PLUS program and the law school’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Multicultural Affairs and Professional Development.

The 2018 PLUS scholars are currently enrolled in 18 colleges: Aurora University, Brookdale Community College, City Colleges of Chicago, Clark Atlanta University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Fordham University, Hampton University, Howard University, Iowa Wesleyan University, North Carolina A&T State University, Slippery Rock University, Thammasat University (Thailand), Tuskegee University, University of Houston, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Puerto Rico, Virginia State University, and Winston-Salem State University.

PLUS scholars will take courses adapted from the law school's curriculum and taught by law school faculty. They will visit state and federal courts, participate in a mock trial competition, learn about the law school admissions process, discuss career options, take an LSAT practice exam, 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," said Dean Ross-Jackson. "I also want to encourage them to begin developing and maintaining relationships with professionals who are willing and able to help them navigate their careers."

Numerous PLUS alumni are graduates of Chicago-Kent.

Founded in 1888, 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.

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