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EMLF Law Student Scholarship Program

The Application Period is Now Closed for 2026-2027.

EMLF is accepting applications for the Law Student Scholarship Program for the 2026-2027 academic year.

In 2025, EMLF presented $30,000 in scholarships to nine qualifying students attending six EMLF member law schools.

Since the inception of the law student scholarship program, EMLF has awarded more than $730,000 in scholarships. This year, the deadline to apply is March 27, 2026.

Apply today

Scholarship Funds

  • James H. Davis Scholarship: The James H. Davis Scholarship was established in 2004 primarily through donations from the National Council of Coal Lessors and its members.  Each year, a scholarship is awarded to a student with Appalachian roots.
  • Mary Sue Schulberg Scholarship: The Mary Sue Schulberg Scholarship is giving annually in remembrance of Mary Sue, a former president and longtime valued member of EMLF, through the generosity of Mary Sue’s family and friends.
  • Cabot Scholarship: The Cabot Scholarship was established in 2012 as a result of a litigation settlement which directed funds to EMLF for use in providing scholarships to students at West Virginia University School of Law.
  • Sharon Daniels Scholarship: The Sharon Daniels Scholarship was established in 2018 in honor of retiring longtime Executive Director, Sharon Daniels.
  • EMLF General Scholarship Fund: Scholarships are also awarded from the EMLF General Scholarship Fund, which is funded through donations from our members and program fees.

Eligibility

Law school students for the 2026-2027 academic year are eligible to receive scholarships. The scholarship can only be used in connection with a degree program sponsored by a law school which is a member of the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation. If your school is not included in this list, ask your law school administration to inquire about membership benefits, including immediate eligibility for student scholarship participation.

Field of Study

Law students must demonstrate an interest in the study of natural resources, energy or mineral law.

Amount of Scholarships

Scholarship awards generally range from $1,000 to $5,000. Multiple applicants will receive scholarships.

Criteria for Selection

The following criteria will be used to determine the recipients of the scholarships: (a) potential to make a significant contribution in the field of energy, mineral and natural resources law; (b) academic ability; (c) leadership ability; and (d) financial need.

Applications must include current transcript and one letter of recommendation from a law school dean or faculty member. Name your file Last_First_Academic_YYMMDD. Example: Law_Dawn_Academic260327. Submit the application and supporting material in a single PDF – application, personal statement, transcript and LORs to dawn@emlf.org. You may also mail to EMLF Scholarship Application, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite B215, Lexington, KY 40504.

Please follow the instructions – incomplete applications or applications not following directions may need returned for more information. 

Schetroma Travel Grants

Click here for information about the Schetroma Travel Grant program which reimburses selected students for travel, lodging, meals, and attendance at the EMLF Annual Institute. You can also click above to download the application, which has instructions.