Every year, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation reaches thousands through mock trial competitions, educator trainings and law-related conferences. In 2023, the Foundation saw the expansion of its grant program for nonprofits offering law-related education, and an increase in the distribution of free law-related newsletters and publications to schools and the public. Foundation programs are made possible through donations and funding from the IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey
Additionally, the Foundation awarded scholarships to 16 second- and third-year law students attending Rutgers, Seton Hall, and Columbia law schools. The Law School Scholarship program benefits students from all walks of life – people who have been unhoused, in domestic violence situations, first-generation Americans, women, first-generation college graduates and those in the LGBTQ+ community – who have fought through hardship in life to fulfill their dreams of attending law school.
“We thank our supporters, donors, cosponsors, and staff who are a testament to why we are so successful,” NJSBF President Charles J. Stoia said. “And we appreciate the more than 600 attorney volunteers who support our programs and the Foundation. Together, we make a difference by providing free, informative, and educational publications and programs for people of all ages.”
Other highlights from 2023 include:
- Over $1 million in cosponsorship grants were awarded to 35 nonprofit organizations to underwrite law-related educational programs for the public.
- Over 340,000 free copies of civics and law-related publications were distributed to schools and the public.
- More than 5,000 students and teachers participated in mock trial competitions for elementary, middle, and high school students.
- Over 3,500 schools (public, private, charter and home schools) received free copies of our law- and civics-related publications.
- Over 4,900 teachers and educators attended free anti-bias and violence prevention trainings to help promote a positive school climate.
- Over 6,000 students and community group members attended seminars on law-related topics.
The full scope of the Foundation’s achievements over the last year are detailed in its 2023 Impact Report.
Volunteers can make a difference, too, by serving in the Speakers Bureau, joining a committee, or donating. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, an annual gift to the Foundation provides support to expand its free, award-winning resources to the public and provides vital funding for its Law School Scholarships.
Visit njsbf.org to learn more about volunteering and to donate.