Program Provides New Support, Networking, Mentorship and Events to Students from Underrepresented Backgrounds
Cardozo Law announced the E. Nathaniel Gates Scholars Program to support students from underrepresented backgrounds and those who have faced barriers in their path to a career in the law.
Cardozo Law has designed an inter-departmental, multi-faceted program with new opportunities throughout law school for support, community, networking and more. The Gates Scholars approach is rooted in the belief that community drives success in law school. It provides supports such as:
- Pre-orientation community-building events during the transition into law school
- Membership in affinity groups throughout law school, with access to all Gates Scholars including alumni and upper-level students within the program
- Educational opportunities for foundational tools to help demystify legal education
- Networking and social events throughout law school
- Mentorship opportunities
- Representation by Gates Scholar Leaders who work directly with law school departments on behalf of Gates Scholars community members
- A directory of Gates Scholars to help keep students on track with contact information, job opportunities, classes and mentorship options from upper-level Gates Scholars
Law school is challenging, and the vision of the program is to help Gates Scholars build powerful and enjoyable networks and launch successful careers in the law. The Gates Scholars Program enhances the ties that can help students break through barriers and form lasting connections every semester they are in law school.
The Gates Scholars Program is named in honor of E. Nathaniel Gates, a former Cardozo professor, who served at Cardozo from 1992 until his death in 2006. He was the first member of his immediate family to attend college and law school. He served as an advisor to important student initiatives and organizations, including the Diversity Coalition and the Black, Asian, and Latino Law Students Association.