About the opportunity
The Matthew Cohan Criminal Justice & Public Service Scholarship is an annual program created by the Law Offices of Matthew Cohan to support students committed to justice, public service, and community improvement. One student is selected each year to receive $500 toward tuition, fees, books, or other education-related expenses. The opportunity is open to students aiming for careers in law, criminal justice, public policy, law enforcement, social work, government, or related fields that serve the public interest. Selection focuses on academic direction, resilience through challenges, leadership, and a desire to make a positive impact.
Funding and benefits
- One annual scholarship of $500 awarded to one recipient per year.
- Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, or other education-related expenses.
Who can apply?
- Open to students dedicated to justice, public service, and strengthening the legal system.
- Eligible fields include law, criminal justice, public policy, law enforcement, social work, government, or other fields serving the public.
- Part-time students are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community service/volunteer involvement, and resilience through obstacles.
Required documents
- Completed online application form (including contact details, institution, field of study, and expected graduation year).
- Personal statement addressing educational and career goals, challenges overcome, and plans to contribute to making the world a better place.
When to apply
- Applications close annually on October 1.
- The next application deadline is October 1, 2026.
- One recipient is selected each year following the October 1 application deadline.
How to apply
- Navigate to the official Law Offices of Matthew Cohan scholarship webpage.
- Fill out the online application form with your full name, phone number, email address, school/university, field of study, and expected graduation year.
- Write your personal statement covering your goals, obstacles overcome, and intended community impact.
- Submit the online form and receive an on-screen submission confirmation.
Additional information
- Applications are evaluated based on clarity of educational and career goals, resilience demonstrated through real experiences, an impact mindset, and writing quality.
- Information submitted in scholarship applications is used strictly for scholarship review purposes.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- ,// Students pursuing careers in law, criminal justice, public policy, or social work.
- ,// Individuals who can demonstrate leadership and a history of community service.
- ,// Part-time students dedicated to public interest and strengthening the legal system.
What should you think carefully about?
- ,// Relocation is not required as the grant is for education expenses.
- ,// The award is a one-time $500 payment for one person per year.
- ,// Selection is based heavily on the personal statement regarding resilience and community impact.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship can help a student cover the cost of books or fees for a degree in law, criminal justice, or social work. It is a a good fit for those who want to recognize their resilience through challenges as part of their academic record.
Our take
A helpful small grant for students in public service fields. Because only one recipient is selected annually, it is highly competitive.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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