Southern University Law Center (SULC)is proud to announce a new partnership with The National Black Prosecutors Association (NBPA) Foundation to encourage diversity in prosecution. SULC joins Boston University School of Law, Temple University Beasley School of Law, and the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law as part of a new partnership with the NBPA Foundation to increase the number of Black students introduced to a career in prosecution. As part of the partnership, each school will fund fellowships for Black law students enrolled at their schools to intern at a prosecutor’s office over the summer – positions that are traditionally unpaid.
“The Southern University Law Center is thrilled to enter into an alliance with the National Black Prosecutors Association,” said Marla Dickerson, vice chancellor of the Office of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives. “This partnership is a pivotal step in fostering diversity and creating a pathway that will lead to internships, networking, and employment opportunities for our students. It is our hope that this collaboration will offer SULC students the chance to learn from and be inspired by accomplished legal professionals, enriching their educational journey.”
Founded in 1983, the NBPA is the only organization dedicated to the hiring, retention, and promotion of Black prosecutors at all levels of government. Since 2016, the NBPA Foundation has provided scholarships to Black students who demonstrate an interest in prosecution. In 2021, the NBPA Foundation launched a fellowship program, providing funding and placement to students who desire to secure an unpaid summer internship at state prosecutors’ offices. “The fellowship provides funding to students who would otherwise be unpaid interns. For many students of color, unpaid work is not an option - which can deny them the opportunity to explore a career in prosecution and receive valuable experience,” says Pearson.
“We are excited to welcome SULC as the Foundation’s first HBCU law school partner. Together, we will forge a path that not only empowers students with knowledge of the field of prosecution but also celebrates the rich tapestry of talent that defines our shared future in the area of criminal justice,” says NBPA Foundation President Melba Pearson. “We thank SULC for their dedication to building a pipeline to the next generation of diverse prosecutors.”
In addition to financial support, SULC Fellows will have access to networking and mentorship opportunities through the NBPA, including attendance at the Association’s annual conference and career fair, which is scheduled for August 3 - 10, 2024, in Boston.
Learn more about the NBPA at www.blackprosecutors.org.
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