On April 14, three students from the University of Colorado at Boulder School of Law's class of 2005 will be the first to receive financial aid through the school's new Loan Repayment Assistant Program.
The program was created by students to encourage graduates to pursue legal careers in public service or not-for-profit organizations that are typically lower paying than other law-related careers. Student fees will fund the project.
Soon-to-be-graduates John Morrison, James Karbach and Tammi Blackstone will each receive an award of $1,500. Participants are eligible to receive aid for up to three years following graduation, providing that all other program conditions are met.
"The program is innovative in that it recognizes and awards some of the many law students who have chosen low-paying careers devoted entirely to serving the public interest," said Morrison.
"In a time when higher education costs have risen, I am extremely grateful to receive an award from the law school to help ensure that I can financially afford to work as a public defender," added Karbach.
Both Morrison and Karbach will be working for the Colorado Public Defender's Office. Blackstone's award is contingent upon her finding qualifying employment.
"Once again our students have come to the forefront to support a program that represents their values in support of societal good," said Lorenzo Trujillo, assistant dean of students and professional programs. "This program is unique because the funds were raised entirely by students beginning with the 1992 class."
For more information about the program contact the law school at (303) 492-0647 or visit the program Web site at .