IIT Chicago-Kent welcomes 2011 Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars for "a taste of the law school experience"

A diverse group of 23 undergraduate students, all interested in legal careers, is participating in a special four-week summer session at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. The law school is hosting the Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program, which is designed to provide current college freshmen, sophomores and juniors exposure to the rigors of law school and contact with legal professionals. This is the tenth consecutive summer Chicago-Kent has offered the program, which runs from June 6 through July 1.

The 2011 PLUS scholars are currently enrolled in 21 schools throughout the country. They attend Alcorn State University, Augsburg College, Central Connecticut State University, Columbia University, Creighton University, DePaul University, Drake University, Fisk University, Hampton University, Howard University, Marquette University, Philander Smith College, Southern Illinois University, Syracuse University, Temple University, Tuskegee University, University of Alabama, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of San Diego, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Vanderbilt University.

There is no charge to the PLUS scholars, who receive tuition and a stipend comparable to a summer internship.

"The PLUS program is designed to introduce participants to law school and the legal profession, provide them with substantive skills to strengthen their preparation for law school, and educate and prepare these students for the law school application and admission processes," said assistant dean for strategy and student professional development Francine Soliunas, who serves as PLUS program director.

During their month at Chicago-Kent, the PLUS scholars will take courses adapted from the law school's curriculum and taught by law school faculty. Student activities typically run weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Students will visit courts, participate in a mock trial, learn about the law school admissions process, discuss career options, and meet leaders in the legal profession.

"At the end of the program, students are armed with the information necessary to pursue a legal education, if they choose. In 2008, two students who participated in the 2004 PLUS program received their law degrees from Chicago-Kent," said Soliunas.