Herbert Lehman Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

2025–2026 Herbert Lehman Scholarship — Now Accepting Applications

Important deadlines
- Undergraduate scholarship applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026.
- Law school scholarship applications must be submitted by May 1, 2026.

About the program
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund awards a limited number of highly competitive national scholarships each year to outstanding undergraduates and law students. Founded in 1964 and named in honor of Herbert Lehman — former Governor and U.S. Senator from New York, recognized for his integrity, courage, and steadfast support of civil rights — the fund was originally created to help Black students attend previously segregated four‑year colleges in the South and to expand Black representation in the legal profession.

Today the Fund’s mission is to help convert the promise of racial equality into tangible social, economic, and political progress by supporting talented undergraduates with demonstrated financial need so they can remain enrolled and complete their bachelor’s degrees. The Fund also provides a small number of law school awards for students committed to careers in public interest law.

Award length
- Undergraduate awards are typically granted for up to four years (subject to meeting renewal requirements).
- Law school awards generally do not exceed three years.

Who should apply (Eligibility)
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a college graduate, an undergraduate in their final year, or a first‑year law student.
- Have a record of strong academic achievement.
- Show a sustained commitment to racial justice and civil rights.
- Demonstrate financial need.

Application checklist — materials required
All applications must include the items below to be considered complete:
- Completed scholarship application form.
- Copy of law school acceptance letter (for law applicants).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Current resume.
- Copy of your transcript from your current college or university. (Finalists will be asked to provide an official transcript.)
- Personal essay.
- Personal statement.
- Copy of LSAT or GRE score report.
- Copy of your Student Aid Report (FAFSA). The adjusted gross family/independent income line on the FAFSA must show a dollar amount. If that line is blank, applicants must instead submit a tax return: parent/guardian tax return for dependent applicants, or the applicant’s own tax return if filed as an independent.
- Finalists will be required to submit a recent professional photograph (guideline: your face should occupy about 60% of the frame).

Additional notes
- The number of law scholarships is limited and generally favors those committed to public interest careers.
- Awards for undergraduates are renewable but usually do not exceed four years in total.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full eligibility criteria and program information before applying. See the FAQ section and submit your application through the Herbert Lehman Education Fund application portal.