In 2007, the Sarasota County Bar Association created a Diversity Scholarship Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to provide scholarships of up to $5,000 to qualified law students of diverse backgrounds.
Eligibility is based on need, merit and qualifying criteria. Candidates interview with area law firms and/or governmental agencies that have agreed to employ the students for 10-week summer internships.
Once approved, the successful candidate is referred to the Community Foundation which awards the scholarship to the student’s law school to further his/her legal education.
The Fund has been renamed in honor of Sarasota County Bar Association Past President Richard Garland, a passionate champion of scholarly discipline, professionalism, diversity and inclusion, who passed away in 2011.
Applications are available at www.sarasotabar.com or www.cfsarasota.org. Applicants should apply in the academic year preceding the summer internship. Mail completed applications to Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc. P.O. Box 49587, Sarasota, FL 34230.
• Essay of no more than 250 words
• Signed Certification
• Recommendation Letter
• Law School Transcript
• Most recent tax return, if applicable