2023 Parole Reform Scholarship

The experience of individuals who have served time in jail for a crime extends beyond their time behind bars, as they encounter unique challenges upon their release. In addition to the practical obstacles faced by individuals after serving time, they often encounter harsh judgment and societal stigma, making it even more challenging to start over. This judgment can lead to limited employment prospects, social exclusion, and difficulties securing housing.

In our society, fostering understanding, compassion, and second chances is crucial for successfully reintegrating individuals who have served time in jail. By promoting awareness and education, challenging preconceived notions, and advocating for policies that facilitate reintegration, we can create an environment where these individuals are given a fair chance to rebuild their lives and make positive contributions to our community.

That said, we are proud to announce our new scholarship, the Parole Reform Scholarship. We want to hear how our community feels about our current justice/ intake system and ways it could be improved. For this scholarship, students are asked to reflect on the importance of understanding and compassion in supporting individuals who have been incarcerated. Discuss how promoting awareness and education about the challenges they face can break down societal barriers and stereotypes. Share your thoughts on how challenging preconceived notions can lead to a more inclusive and supportive society for those seeking to rebuild their lives after serving time.

This $1,000 scholarship award will be given to one eligible student. The deadline to apply is November 30, 2023. Continue reading below for details on the application process.

Eligibility

• The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, vocational student, college student or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a vocational program or two to four year post-secondary institution for the 2024 Spring semester.
• Employees of The Collin County Law Group, their immediate families (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), and persons living in the same households of such individuals (whether related or not) are not eligible to participate in the competition.
• Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing.

Application Requirements

• The candidate must submit a 750-1,000 word essay response to the prompt:  How do you think our system could better assist people after serving time? Also, do you think society judges them harshly, making it harder for them to start over?
• The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
• The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students must also submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
• Preference will be given to students from or attending secondary school in the state.

The recipient of the Parole Reform Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline.

How to Apply

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must email their full application (including the essay, resumé, and transcript) to ma*******@co*************.com by November 30, 2023. Any applications sent after this date will not be considered.

Scholarship applications should be sent with the subject line “Collin County Law Group – 2023 Parole Reform Scholarship Application.”

Please send any questions to ma*******@co*************.com.