Vermont Law School (VLS) has entered into an agreement with Community College of Vermont (CCV) and Johnson State College (JSC) to make higher education more affordable and accessible for Vermonters through a new program, “Pathways to Law and Policy for Vermonters,” launching this spring.
Designed to develop the next generation of leaders in law and policy, the Pathways program will help students at CCV and JSC explore their options to earn either a master’s or a JD degree from Vermont Law early in their academic career, and to prepare them for the challenges of graduate study. The program will provide intensive academic support as well as financial incentives for enrolled students, including a $15,000 annual scholarship for scholars who matriculate into Vermont Law and maintain good academic standing.
“Our partnership with Johnson State and Community College of Vermont will open doors for many students who otherwise may not realize their full potential as law and policy leaders,” said Cheryl Hanna, vice president for external relations at Vermont Law, rated No. 1 in the nation for environmental law for an unprecedented six consecutive years. “It puts our promise into action – we are committed to developing a generation of leaders who use the power of the law to make a difference in their communities and the world – right in our backyard.”
As part of the Pathways agreement, Vermont Law will provide a faculty advisor who will assist CCV and JSC in admitting students into the program and mentor accepted students. The students, or Pathways Scholars, will be invited to attend lectures, receptions and other events at Vermont Law, which will cover transportation costs, and may audit a summer course free of charge. Students who successfully complete the program may then enroll in one of Vermont Law’s master’s degree programs through an expedited application process, or in the JD program, provided the student has a qualifying LSAT score.
“We are pleased to offer our students this exciting new opportunity to achieve their educational and career goals,” said Johnson State College President Barbara Murphy, adding that the Pathways program “will position our graduates for leadership roles in law and policy, opening doors to rewarding careers in Vermont and beyond.”
Community College of Vermont President Joyce Judy looks forward to seeing CCV students take advantage of the program.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students, who can concentrate their studies in any subject as they prepare for Pathways,” Judy said. “Law and policy is such a diverse field, and I look forward to seeing the direction our students will take. I’ve no doubt they will go far as leaders.”
For more information about Pathways to Law and Policy for Vermonters, contact Cheryl Hanna at Vermont Law School, 802-831-1282 or channa@vermontlaw.edu; Dan Regan, academic dean at Johnson State College, daniel.regan@jsc.edu or 802-635-1242; or Linda Gabrielson, academic dean at Community College of Vermont, linda.gabrielson@ccv.edu or 802-828-2850.