The Student Fellowship to The University of Texas School of Law's Nonprofit Organizations Institute was created to encourage participation and engagement in the tax-exempt organizations practice of law by introducing 2nd and 3rd year law students to the practice area, providing opportunities for mentorship, and creating a network of law students interested in pursuing the practice. 
A single-year fellowship will be awarded to up to ten recipients that allows for in-person attendance to The University of Texas School of Law’s 42nd Annual Nonprofit Organizations Institute on January 22-24, 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, TX. The Institute is a continuing legal and professional education conference that brings together nationally recognized experts from private foundations, public charities, law, finance, and government to discuss the latest tax, legislative and governance issues affecting nonprofit organizations. (For reference, see our PRIOR year’s conference brochure, including full agenda and conference faculty.) 
Additionally, the fellowship allows recipients to be matched with a practitioner “mentor” during the 2 1/2 day Institute, and provides the opportunity for at least one additional online connection with their mentors and fellowship cohort within the year.

Fellowship Details

The Fellowship Program Includes:
  • Registration to The University of Texas School of Law’s Nonprofit Organizations Fundamentals program (1/2 day on Wednesday afternoon, January 22) AND registration to the 42nd Annual Nonprofit Organizations Institute (all day Thursday and Friday, January 23-24). NOTE: Registration includes continental breakfast on Thursday and Friday, lunch on Thursday and Friday, and a networking reception on Thursday evening.
  • Travel to and from Austin (adhering to travel policies and restrictions governed by the University).
  • Hotel for up to three nights at the conference hotel.
  • Special Wednesday Opening Lunch and Presentation for the class of fellowship recipients—to meet assigned mentors and other fellowship recipients, to learn more about the tax-exempt organizations practice area and ask questions of mentors/speakers, and to hear what to expect over the following days.
  • Special Wednesday Evening Dinner following the half-day Nonprofit Organizations Fundamentals program for the class of fellowship recipients and their assigned mentors.
  • Special Friday Morning Breakfast for the class of fellowship recipients and their assigned mentors.
  • At least one post-Institute opportunity within the year for online connection or networking presentations with mentors and/or fellowship cohort.  

Selection Criteria
  • Be a 2nd or 3rd year law student at an ABA-accredited law school
  • Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Meet one or more of the following:
    1. Have experience working with or supporting an underserved community 
    2. Be a first generation college student/law school student
    3. Have a history of overcoming significant disadvantage or disability 

Application Requirements
  • Complete the online application to confirm basic contact information, eligibility requirements, and understanding of the fellowship program.
  • Include a short personal statement as part of the application (no more than 500 words) describing how the fellowship may impact your experience or professional career
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from law school faculty member
The application deadline was October 31, 2024.
For questions or additional information, please contact Joanna Jefferson at jjefferson@law.utexas.edu.