Celebrating Five Years of Launch into Law
by Margaret Beccavin | July 7, 2023
This summer, Toledo Law hosted its fifth cohort of students for Launch into Law, a pipeline program geared toward underrepresented students hoping to enroll in law school. The program is a week-long immersive experience where participants prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), improve legal writing and analysis skills, engage with legal professionals, build relationships with paired mentors, and more.
One participant, Robin Powell, shared that after a 20-year career in social work, she was finally pursuing her passion. "I knew that I wanted to become a lawyer very early on in my undergraduate career at The University of Toledo; however, the universe had other plans. I had my first child my freshman year and knew that I had to finish college as early as possible in order to provide a decent life for him." She continued to say, "My favorite part of the program was getting to know all of the participants and learning about the various backgrounds we all came from. It was a comfort to me to know that I was not too "old" to begin my new journey."
One of the measures of success for students in the program is an increase in their LSAT scores. This year, all ten program participants saw an increase in their score from pre to post test, with an average increase of 6 points. Two of the participants are currently applicants to enroll at Toledo Law this fall. Students who complete Launch into Law are also granted a one-time $1,000 scholarship to Toledo Law.
"My favorite part about the program was being able to interact with lawyers that have already gone through law school. The Toledo Law community was extremely welcoming and open to answer any questions. Moreover, we were provided with mentors to support us through the law school process and in the near future" said Paulina Martinez Hernandez, another participant from this summer's cohort.
Launch Into Law is open to all individuals and applicants must submit a short essay with their application, which opens each spring. The program is offered at no charge to participants, and housing is provided upon request for those traveling one hour or more to attend.
For more information visit the program website or contact Amber Chuhy at amber.chuhy@utoledo.edu