London—Dentons has launched a scholarship scheme for students of Black and Minority Ethnic, Mixed African or Caribbean background in the UK. The 'Now to Next Scholarship Programme' aims to build an early talent pipeline for the Firm's training contract programme and other opportunities, from backgrounds that are under-represented at universities and in the legal profession.
Each year, up to two students across the UK will be provided with a scholarship during their three year undergraduate law degree. As well as a financial award, the students will also receive additional support with guaranteed places on virtual insight events and mentoring opportunities. Applications are open from 1 March 2021 via an online application form.
'This scholarship was created to increase accessibility and support BME representation at university as well as to address the employability gap in law,' said UK, Ireland and Middle East CEO Jeremy Cohen. 'In 2020 42% of our UK training contract offers were made to students who identified as BAME, and we are excited about this new initiative which provides an opportunity to build on the Firm's existing student diversity outreach efforts'.
The scholarship programme follows last year's launch of Dentons' Accelerating Race Strategy Action Plan in the UK which also includes the following initiatives to advance the careers of BAME staff:
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