Fall Scholarships

We are excited to offer our TWO different scholarships at our Inaugural Barbara Jordan Scholarship & Leadership Breakfast.

• Applications open September 12, 2026.
• A complete application must be received by 11:59 p.m., October 16, 2026, to be considered for an award.
• Finalist Interviews will be held from October 23-25, 2026, virtually.
• Scholarship Winners will be announced on November 1, 2026.
• The awards will be given on November 20, 2026, at the Barbara Jordan Scholarship & Leadership Breakfast. Winners MUST be present!

• A demonstrated commitment to developing and promoting the African American community through law.
• Academic performance in law school.
• Leadership skills, community activities and/or special accomplishments.
• Financial need.

• Membership in an underrepresented minority group.
• Current enrollment from a Houston-area, ABA-accredited law school (i.e., South Texas College of Law, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and University of Houston Law Center). Or a Houston resident if a JD graduate applying for the February Bar Scholarship.

ONE PDF including:

• Completed scholarship application form.
• Law School transcript(s) (unofficial version accepted).
• Current resume.
• Essay with word count included.

Barbara Jordan Bar Scholarship Essay Prompt(s): in 500 words or less

• Barbara Jordan used her legal education and leadership to create opportunities and advocate for others. How do you hope to use your legal career to create meaningful impact, and what experiences have shaped that commitment?
• The journey to becoming an attorney often requires perseverance in the face of personal, academic, financial, or professional challenges. Describe a challenge or barrier you have encountered on your journey to the legal profession. How did you respond, and how has that experience shaped the lawyer you hope to become?
• Barbara Jordan famously reminded us that “what the people want is very simple—they want an America as good as its promise.” What is one issue affecting access to justice or your community that you believe the next generation of lawyers has a responsibility to address? How do you hope to contribute?

Judge Belinda Hill Scholarship Essay: in 500 words or less

Judge Belinda Hill devoted her legal career to the pursuit of justice and the improvement of the criminal justice system. In 500 words or less, describe an experience, issue, or injustice that has shaped your interest in criminal justice. How has it influenced the kind of attorney you hope to become, and how will you use your legal education to advance fairness, accountability, or meaningful reform?

Documentation if applying for February Bar Scholarship

• TBLE Documentation of Registration for the Texas State Bar Exam in February 2026; and.
• Proof of current Houston residency (if a non-Houston law school graduate).

Please ensure your pdf is titled First Name Last Name - HLA Scholarship (e.g. Markia Bordeaux - HLA Scholarship).

• The Barbara Jordan Bar Scholarships is only available for students or graduates sitting for the February 2027 Texas Bar Exam.
• The Judge Belinda Hill Scholarship is open to all law school levels (1L, 2L, or 3L).
• Both scholarships have the same application, but different essay prompts.
• Applicants may apply for both scholarships but can only be selected for one award.
• To apply for both, please submit one completed application with both essays in one pdf along with all other required materials.