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The John D. Voelker Foundation

Native American Law School Scholarship

The John D. Voelker Foundation Native American Law School Scholarship was established to assist Native American students to pursue the dream of a legal education.

Grants are made annually in an amount determined by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee & Board in light of the funds available, consistent with preserving the fund’s permanent endowment. 

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The fund was established through contributions from members of the Foundation, who subscribed to limited editions of Laughing Whitefish, Trout Madness, and Traver on Fishing signed by the author when he established the Foundation. Annual grants have been $4,000.00 for the last several years.

So far, the Foundation has awarded over thirty Voelker Law School Scholarships.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

  • The applicant must have a sincere interest in studying the law and using a legal education to benefit Native American people. (It is not necessary that the applicant be enrolled in law school, but if attending undergraduate school he or she must intend ultimately to attend law school).
  • The applicant must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized Michigan or Wisconsin tribe.
  • The applicant must have the academic potential to succeed in school, as evidenced by past academic success or admission to an accredited law school.
  • Applicants with the greatest financial need will be given preference.
  • The applicant must be willing to provide an annual report to the Foundation on the progress of his or her studies for each academic year in which a grant is received.

A simple letter addressing these criteria and enclosing evidence of tribal enrollment and the applicant’s transcripts or other evidence of academic potential is sufficient to apply for scholarship assistance. Grants are made at the foundation’s annual meeting in June, based on the recommendation of the scholarship committee, which is composed entirely of Native American foundation board members.

Applications may be submitted by U.S. Mail to: John D. Voelker Foundation, PO Box 15222, Lansing, Michigan 48933.

Your donations help us expand our scholarships.

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