In furtherance of its mission to enhance the role of Black people in the legal profession and increase their numbers in the state of Connecticut, the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association (“Crawford”) offers the annual Priscilla Green Scholarships. A one-time, three thousand dollar ($3,000) scholarship may be awarded to the first place winner; a one-time, two thousand dollar ($2,000) scholarship may be awarded to the second place winner; and a one-time, one thousand dollar ($1,000) scholarship may be awarded to the third place winner.
Recipients will be selected based on two components:
- Personal Statement & Academic and Extracurricular Achievement (40%): This includes academic and extracurricular accomplishments and a personal statement of up to 250 words evidencing their current societal contributions in furtherance of Crawford’s mission
- Essay (60%): An essay of up to 800 words or less.
Eligibility: Scholarship applicants must: (1) be currently enrolled at an accredited law school; (2) affiliated with the Black Law Students Association; and (3) demonstrate a commitment to both practicing law in the State of Connecticut and furthering Crawford’s mission.
Deadline: Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Please submit all materials as a single document and/or PDF. Document names should include the first and last name of the applicant.
Additional Information: The award will be presented at the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association Annual Dinner, which will take place at the Hartford Marriott Downtown located at 200 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103 on May 28, 2026. The award recipient(s) will be notified in advance of the dinner and will be expected to attend. You may contact Crawford’s Student Mentoring Committee at mbeckett@slsct.org and/or our Secretary, Farah Jean at secretary@georgecrawfordblackbar.org with any questions regarding the application process.
I. RESUME AND PERSONAL STATEMENT (40% of Scoring)
(a) Please attach an updated resume that includes your year of matriculation, expected year of graduation, grade point average, all secondary and professional schools attended and degrees received, honors and awards received, and extracurricular activities. Your resume may include additional information to be considered in the evaluation of your application but should not exceed two (2) pages.
(b) In 250 words or less, please explain how your past or current school, work, or societal contributions have been in furtherance of Crawford's mission. Crawford’s mission is:
To work aggressively for the enhancement of the role of Black people in the legal profession and to increase their numbers in the state of Connecticut; to focus on legal issues which affect members of the Black community and address those issues as a unified body; to provide a vehicle for interaction between its members, other professionals, Black businesses and other organizations in the state of Connecticut; to establish lines of communication with affiliates of local and national organizations within the legal profession to better achieve these purposes; and to undertake such programs, activities and projects in the promotion of its goals as are legally permissible under the laws of the state of Connecticut.
Factors that we will consider in grading this statement include but are not limited to: a) the applicant’s ability to effectively explain how their work, accomplishments, or personal/professional motivations advance Crawford’s mission; b) writing proficiency; and c) creativity.
II. ESSAY (60% of Score)
On November 26, 2025, following months of public debate and legislative negotiation, Connecticut enacted House Bill 8002, “An Act Concerning Housing Growth”, a major legislative response to the state’s long-standing affordable housing crisis. Speaking shortly after its passage, Governor Ned Lamont emphasized the urgency of the moment:
“Connecticut’s housing shortage is among the most severe in the country. It is driving up costs for working families, deterring businesses from investing or growing, and worsening homelessness. Simply put, the status quo is unsustainable.”
The legacy of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association reflects a deep commitment to using the law as a tool to challenge structural inequities and expand meaningful access to opportunity—especially for communities historically excluded from full civil and economic participation.
Using Housing Bill 8002 and the Governor’s remarks as your point of departure, analyze Connecticut’s affordable housing crisis through the lens of equity, justice, and structural reform. In your essay, you are encouraged to:
- Examine how housing policy and land-use regulation, and local governance can either reinforce or dismantle barriers to fair housing and economic mobility, and community stability.
- Consider the broader civil rights implications of housing scarcity, segregation, and unequal access to safe, affordable homes.
- Reflect on the lawyer’s role—as advocate, policy-maker, problem-solver, and community leader—in advancing systemic change and expanding access to justice.
- Finally, connect this issue to your own developing commitment to the legal profession. Reflect on the unique role lawyers play not only as advocates for individual clients but also as architects of broader systems—shaping legislation, influencing litigation strategies, designing regulatory frameworks, and supporting community power-building efforts. Consider how questions of structural and systemic fairness inform your understanding of public service, professional responsibility, and the pursuit of justice.
Please limit essay responses to 800 words.