Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholar Program

About this scholarship

The Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholar Program is the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law's signature pipeline program for students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups who are exploring careers in intellectual property and patent law. The official Foundation Programs page states that the foundation has awarded more than $2,500,000 in scholarships since 2001 and that the Sidney B. Williams, Jr. program has provided financial support for nearly two decades. Today, the program combines financial support with expanded services for STEM-educated individuals seeking legal education and preparation for patent-law careers. Support includes counseling, internship and clerkship assistance, and assistance securing patent bar membership. The entry is marked partial funding because the official page does not publish a current full-tuition package or fixed award amount, and students should not assume the program covers all law school costs. Because no open application form was verified on the official page, apply_url is null until the foundation publishes a live application route.

Eligibility

• Be from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group targeted by the foundation's diversity mission
• Have a STEM education background relevant to patent-law preparation
• Be exploring or pursuing legal education connected to intellectual property law
• Show interest in patent-law career readiness and career opportunities
• Participate in counseling, internship, clerkship, or patent bar support activities if selected
• Follow the foundation's application process when an active cycle is published