Diversity Pathway Intervention Grant Program

The Diversity Pathway Intervention Grant Program, administered by AccessLex Institute, is a funding initiative designed to support programs that enhance the representation and success of historically underrepresented groups in law school and the broader legal profession. AccessLex Institute, based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a nonprofit organization committed to improving legal education access and outcomes. This grant initiative aligns with the organization's broader mission to promote diversity in the legal field through targeted interventions and evidence-based programming. This grant program specifically targets initiatives that assist college students and college graduates from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds in successfully preparing for and matriculating into law school. The goal is to deepen the collective understanding of what works in increasing law school access and success for these populations. Accordingly, AccessLex seeks proposals that offer meaningful educational content, holistic support systems, and structured guidance toward law school admission. Eligible programs must span 12 to 24 months in duration and may request funding between $200,000 and $300,000. Funded initiatives must include clearly defined goals and measurable objectives tied to law school preparation. All program components must align directly with these stated goals. Additionally, applicants must present a rigorous evaluation plan grounded in valid data collection and analysis methodologies. The program must include a mechanism for tracking participant outcomes beyond the duration of the grant (e.g., through the law school admission process) and for documenting tangible results such as admission rates. Preference will be given to initiatives that prioritize applicants intending to begin law school within two years and who have not yet been admitted. Programs that support participants with lower standardized test scores or GPAs, incorporate control/treatment groups for evaluation purposes, or provide long-term support mechanisms may also receive favorable consideration. Collaborative projects involving multiple institutions or organizations are likewise encouraged. The application process includes two stages: a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and, for selected applicants, a full proposal. LOIs are accepted from January 26, 2026, through March 2, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants invited to submit a full proposal will be notified by May 20, 2026. Full proposals are due by July 29, 2026, and funding decisions will be announced by October 2, 2026. Although the program page references downloadable presentation slides and related resources, no direct PDF application link is provided. Questions about the grant process should be directed to the official email address: [email protected]. The AccessLex Institute also provides a range of grant-related resources, including FAQs, application previews, a timeline template, and a sample grant agreement, to guide prospective applicants. These documents are available on their website. While no specific individuals are named as points of contact, the email address is likely monitored by staff managing the grant program. The Diversity Pathway Intervention Grant Program represents a strategic and evidence-based effort to expand equity in legal education access nationwide.