The OUTlaws Public Service Fellowship
The OUTlaws Public Service Fellowship is supported by the Spectrum Fund, established by Henry Grix (AB '70, JD '77) and Howard Israel (BFA '72) to provide financial support to students who take on public sector work during their summer to benefit the LGBTQ+ community. This Fund is supported by our generous donors and through annual fundraising efforts, including the Kevin E. Kennedy Memorial Gayla. The fellowship is open to 2Ls.
Fellows must work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks with a qualified government or public interest organization. The organization must be either a government agency (federal, state, or local) or a non-profit organization. The work performed must be non-partisan, legal in nature, and supervised by an attorney. Judicial externships do not qualify.
In recognition of their selection, the Fellow receives a $6,500 award. Fellows are not eligible for the SFF Grant, the SFF Loan, or other Law School funding. Additional funding obtained by the Fellow does not reduce the fellowship amount.
See below for instructions on how to apply.
Previous Recipients
2024
Alex Rivard
2023
Rory Peters
2022
Marisa London (she/her)
2021
Alex Nichols (she/her)
2020
Marlee Goska
2019
Anna Belkin
2018
Alex Moody
2017
Joshua Goldman & Lori Interlicchio
HOW TO APPLY
Here is a link to a copy of the application. If you have any questions, please contact the board at outlawsexec@umich.edu.
The fellowship committee will select applicants based on demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ issues and public service, in general. Applications are evaluated by a faculty, staff, and alumni committee and administered by the Office of Student Life.
The application deadline for the 2023 Fellowship is February 1st by 11:59pm.
Students interested in receiving Law School funds for a summer or post-graduate position outside the United States must consult with the Office of Career Planning regarding University-required paperwork that must be completed before funds can be released. Further, the University's International Travel Policy lists University Travel Restricted Destinations, and activities in these destinations are not eligible for University funding. Because the list of Travel Restricted Destinations is subject to change, students should be aware that it is possible that funding is not ensured, and should therefore keep in close contact with OCP about potentially affected destinations.
This funding may be considered taxable income even if a W-2 is not issued. This should not be construed as tax advice, however, and we encourage you to consult with a tax advisor for more information.