Polish-American Advocates Scholarship
Offered by Polish-American Advocates Scholarship Foundation (The Advocates Society)
About This Scholarship
The Advocates Society, the association of Polish-American attorneys of Illinois, has supported Chicago-area students on the path to law for decades through its 501(c)(3) scholarship foundation. Awards are funded by the society's annual Scholarship Dinner and are presented to students who show career promise, academic proficiency, financial need, and involvement in the Polish community.
Eligibility is specific: applicants must be U.S. citizens or documented legal residents of Polish heritage (or affinity), and either undergraduate seniors already accepted to an accredited law school or graduate students pursuing a juris doctorate. Applicants generally must have lived in the Chicago metropolitan area for at least four years, though an exception can apply for students attending a Chicago-area law school.
The application asks for academic records, a detailed financial-need worksheet, and a one-page career decision statement explaining how the applicant will contribute to the Polish American community. Finalists interview with the committee via Zoom in late September. There is no application fee.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen or documented legal resident of Polish heritage or affinity
- Undergraduate senior accepted to an accredited law school, or a current law student pursuing a J.D., enrolled full time
- Chicago metro area resident for at least four years (exception possible for students attending a Chicago-area law school)
- Good academic standing with documented financial need
- Available for a Zoom interview in late September; cannot be related to foundation members or substantial contributors
How To Apply
- Download the current application PDF from the Advocates Society website
- Complete the forms, including the financial-need worksheet, career decision statement, and school verification form
- Email the completed application to [email protected] (or [email protected]) no later than September 10, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be in law school already?
No. Undergraduate seniors who have been accepted to an accredited law school may apply, along with current J.D. students. Note that deferring your law school acceptance forfeits the award, though you may reapply later.