Herbert Lehman Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Overview
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund is a nationwide, highly competitive scholarship program that provides yearly awards to outstanding undergraduate and law students. Founded in 1964, the program honors Herbert Lehman—former Governor and U.S. Senator from New York—recognizing his integrity, courage, and long-standing advocacy for civil rights.

History and purpose
When the scholarship began, its primary goal was to support Black students’ attendance at formerly segregated four‑year colleges and universities in the South and to increase the representation of Black Americans in the legal profession. Today, the Fund’s mission has evolved to help turn the promise of racial equality into tangible social, economic, and political gains by supporting talented undergraduate students with financial need so they can remain enrolled and complete their bachelor’s degrees.

Awards offered
- Undergraduate scholarships: Available to qualifying undergraduate students; awards typically cover no more than four years.
- Law school scholarships: A limited number of awards are available for law students committed to careers in public interest law; these awards generally do not exceed three years.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to read the program description and eligibility requirements before applying. See FAQs below and access the application here.

Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. citizenship.
- Be one of the following: a college graduate, an undergraduate in the final year of study, or a first‑year law student.
- Demonstrate a strong academic record.
- Show a sustained commitment to racial justice and civil rights.
- Demonstrate financial need.

Application checklist
Your submission must include all of the items listed below:
- Completed scholarship application form.
- For law applicants: a copy of your law school acceptance letter.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Resume.
- Transcript from your current college or university (finalists will be asked to provide an official transcript).
- Essay.
- Personal statement.
- Copy of LSAT or GRE score.
- Copy of your Student Aid Report (FAFSA). The adjusted gross family/independent income line must contain a dollar amount; if that line is blank, you must submit a tax return instead (parent/guardian tax return for dependent applicants; the applicant’s tax return if filing as independent).

Additional finalist requirements
- Finalists will be required to submit a recent professional photograph (guideline: your face should occupy about 60% of the frame).