National Bar Association Crump Law Camp: Attention Parents of High School Students

Passing on valuable information to the Chocolate Chip family regarding the National Bar Association's Crump Law Camp. 

Please share widely.

Applications due April 13, 2012

Please call (202) 842-3900 if you have any questions



Camp Overview
With the beginning of the Millennium and a recognition that it must be in the forefront of positive change in the legal profession, the National Bar Association (“NBA”) established the National Bar Association Crump Law Camp (“Law Camp”). Since the first class of Law Campers convened at Howard University in July of 2001 for a life changing experience, the two-week residential camp has graduated more than 300 youth from over 40 states. The Law Camp, which is designed to provide high school students with an enjoyable and comprehensive introduction to the challenges of a legal education, attracts students throughout the United States from diverse backgrounds.

Since only 10 percent of the nation's lawyers are people of color, the primary goal of the Law Camp is to encourage young students of color to improve their grades in high school, attend college and enter law school. The NBA's partnership with Howard University School of Law reflects the school's mission of cultivating lawyers who will positively impact communities across the nation and the legal profession. According to the Law Camp’s founding members, "If America is to become a true melting pot, the legal system must lead the way. This can be done only when diverse groups of people bring their cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds into the equation. Therefore, although the camp has an open enrollment policy and is available to all students, its emphasis is on empowering students of color."

Founded in 1925, the NBA is the nation's oldest and largest national network of minority attorneys, judges, law students, and paralegals. It has over 80 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and around the world. The organization seeks to advance the science of jurisprudence, to preserve the independence of the judiciary and to uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession. By providing incentive, motivation, and direction to aspiring law students of color, the Law Camp will help prepare the nation's future lawyers, judges, and protectors of the judicial system.

Goal of The Camp

More than 90 percent of this nation's lawyers are Caucasian, as are more than 80 percent of the students enrolled in law school. Yet, more than 30 percent of the United States is comprised of people of color. Projections are that by the year 2050, more than half of the people of this country will no longer be Caucasian. It is imperative that we begin now to direct students of color, while they are young, to seek careers in the legal profession. Thus, there is need on the part of bar associations of color to "grow attorneys." If America is to become a true country of inclusion, the legal system must lead the way. This can be done only when diverse groups of people bring their culture, ethnic and social backgrounds into the equation. The Law Camp's director, a graduate of Howard University School of Law and a practicing attorney, refers to the Law Campers as "young advocates" who see the program as "a great opportunity to influence young people to get serious about school and to set goals toward completing college and perhaps law school."

Eligibility and Selection

All applications are reviewed at the same time and up to 36 participants are selected by the Law Camp Selection Committee. Law Camp participants must be at least 14 years of age by the first day of the Law Camp and must not be more than 17 years of age. Participants must be entering the 9th through 11th grades. In addition to a completed application, applicants must submit a one page hand-written (not typed) letter explaining why they would like to participate in the Law Camp; one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, minister, or any individual who can attest to the character of the applicant; and a copy of the applicant’s last Report Card or Progress Report. Official Transcripts are not required.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the Law Camp varies depending upon family income and the number of exemptions as defined by IRS regulations. (See Tuition Fee Schedule on Application) The tuition includes transportation to and from Washington, DC; housing; meals; educational materials; and field trips expenses. However, students who are required to pay full tuition must also pay for their transportation to and from Washington, DC. Participants are not selected based on their ability or inability to pay tuition.

Accommodations

Law Campers are housed on the campus of Howard University for the two-week residential experience and live in a protected campus environment with young attorneys, law students and college graduates serving as counselors and mentors. Participants attend law school classes at Howard University School of Law.

Faculty, Staff, Curriculum

The Law Camp's faculty and staff are comprised of members of the Howard University School of Law community, National Bar Association members, and guest lecturers. The curriculum includes guest lectures, field trips and a mock trial competition. The highlight of the academic component is the Evett L. Simmons Mock Trial Competition, which is held during the final week of the Law Camp. All Law Campers participate with the "Final Four" competing at the NBA's Annual Convention.

Sponsorship

The NBA believes the NBA Crump Law Camp provides an extraordinary opportunity for an enriched experience to the targeted age group. In addition to individual donations, the Law Camp has received multiple year support from The Ford Motor Company Fund, Wal-Mart; Nike; BMW of North America, LLC; Microsoft; Ruden McClosky; The Groom Law Group; and the NBA Commercial Law Section.The NBA extends its sincere appreciation to sponsors for their support.

Awards

In 2003, the NBA was presented the American Bar Association's Partnership Award for exemplary efforts of a bar association to increase diversity in the legal profession.


Click on the link below for access to the application.
http://www.nationalbar.net/crump_law_camp