CARLISLE AND UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — This summer, Penn State Dickinson Law is piloting a new program for first-generation students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds at Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses and 14 institutions within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education who are interested in attending law school.
Established by a donation from Craig Diehl, Penn State Dickinson Law class of 1988, and his wife, Stephanie, the Craig A. Diehl Pathway to Law Program began on June 1 and continues through graduation on June 30. The entire program is virtual, allowing students across the commonwealth to join.
Students enrolled in the program receive information and resources they may not otherwise know how to access, helping them pursue a pathway to successful legal education. They participate in legal writing, doctrinal classes and critical thinking sessions that prepare them to apply for law school and build their confidence.
“The program aims to demystify the process of applying to law school. We want to help students understand that law school is not only a possibility but something they can complete successfully,” said Penn State Dickinson Law Senior Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Services Valerie D. James, the director of the program. “Through their generosity, the Diehls have provided a valuable, performance-building opportunity to the students of the commonwealth.”
Penn State Dickinson Law faculty, staff and students play a large role in the Diehl Program. Faculty members Andrea Martin (“Legal Writing”) and Ronnie R. Gipson Jr. (“Torts”) are each teaching a course. Senior Associate Director of Academic and Student Services Kalene Faircloth assists with program leadership and facilitates program operations, while Elizabeth Knapp, Penn State Dickinson class of 2028, serves as a teaching assistant.
Additionally, Ana Otero, the Eugene Harrington Professor of Law at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, leads a foundational course titled “Attitude Is Essential” that covers case briefings, the Socratic method, and the basics of civil procedure.
Opportunities for growth
This summer’s cohort consists of juniors and seniors. The program was promoted through outreach to the eligible institutions and their prelaw advisers as well as posts across the Penn State Dickinson Law social media channels.
“I chose to join the Diehl Pathway to Law Program because of the amazing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth provided to students interested in the legal field. My goal is to go to law school in the near future and pursue a career in constitutional law,” said Amelia Nichols, a member of the initial cohort of nine students. There are plans to grow that number as the program progresses over the next few years.
“To eliminate the barriers that prevent first-generation students from applying to law school, we need to give them access to information, experiences and sessions that build academic and professional skills. We also want to impart a true understanding of what the legal profession looks like and how it operates,” said James. “To that end, students learn how to build their resumes, infuse wellness and balance in their learning journeys, and acquire the critical thinking and writing skills necessary to thrive in law school.”
Diehl Program graduates become part of the vibrant Penn State Dickinson Law community. The Law School will continue to engage with them by surveying the students on how to improve the program, holding annual reunion events, and eventually creating a mentorship program that connects past participants with future ones.
“The students’ eagerness to learn is exhilarating,” said James. “I get chills when I think about our Diehl Program graduates becoming law students attending schools across the nation over the next few years. We are so honored to help these young scholars identify their future paths.”