SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) announced today it has awarded 12 scholarships to high school, undergraduate, and law school students across the state who have demonstrated a significant interest in civics engagement and making an impact on the future of California's legal system. Totaling $56,500, the scholarships provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds, helping make the path toward a career in the law more accessible.

CLF is the charitable arm of California Lawyers Association (CLA), the state's largest volunteer bar association, with more than 50,000 members. CLF saw a nearly 80% increase in the number of 2026 applications for the scholarships over the prior year, emphasizing the need to help offset tuition and other education costs.

"We are committed to educating students about opportunities in the law and providing resources to help them achieve their goals," explains CLF President Jerrilyn Malana. "By supporting students throughout their educational journey—from high school through college and law school—we hope to strengthen a diverse pipeline of future lawyers, judges and legal professionals."

Applicants had to meet several criteria to be considered. Grades, volunteer and work history, and community connection were important factors. Students wrote essays about how their experiences can help shape the rule of law and the legal profession for future generations.

"Every person applying for one of our scholarships was incredibly deserving. Their stories of perseverance and wanting to impact change are inspiring," says CLF Deputy Director Janett Cabanero. "It was truly amazing to have so many applications, and the decisions were very difficult. I hope one day we can give a scholarship to every student who applies."

CLF supports several first-of-its-kind programs. For example, the California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) brings civics, law, and ethics education and mentorship to high school classrooms in California through 28 law academies. The three-year program begins during a student's sophomore year, with instruction provided by academic and legal professionals. Participants are given special opportunities to engage with judges and lawyers, observe court proceedings, participate in mock trials, and experience firsthand an array of legal career opportunities. Over 3,100 students participate each year in the academies across California, with many participants entering college following their high school graduation.

CLA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Nguyen, notes that the mission of CLA and CLF is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in access to justice, saying. "I'm pleased California Lawyers Association is able to continue to invest in the State's diverse student population by awarding these scholarships."

"Successes like this are only possible with the generous support of donors and sponsors," Malana points out. "Investing in scholarships opens doors, removes barriers, and empowers the next generation to shape the future of our legal profession. CLF is incredibly grateful to our benefactors."

CLF congratulates the following scholarship recipients:

Justice Pathways Scholarship Law Students:
Mayte Alonzo – University of San Francisco School of Law (USF)
Frances Carrasco – University of San Francisco School of Law (USF)
Robert Gan – University of California, Los Angeles School of Law (UCLA)
Grant Van Gorp – California Western School of Law (CWSL)
Elise Higgs – Santa Clara University School of Law (SCU)
Daniela Meneses – Loyola Law School (LMU)
Taylor Westbrook – University of California, Berkeley School of Law (UCB)

Future Jurist Scholarship Undergraduate Students:
Jaden Fiel – University of California, Irvine (UCI)
Sibraim Jr. Marin – University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)
Jenna Nguyen – University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Nayeli Ruiz Santiago – University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

California Legal Pathways Collaborative High School Scholarship:
Elen Israelyn – Bullard High School, Fresno; entering University of California, Irvine (UCI)

There are numerous ways to support CLF and its programs. To learn more, please visit: https://calawyersfoundation.org/

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SOURCE California Lawyers Foundation