NELA

Empowering Workers' Rights Attorneys

Workers' Rights Advocacy Scholarship

The Workers’ Rights Advocacy Scholarship Program is a project of the National Institute for Workers’ Rights (the Institute), NELA’s public interest organization. NELA and the Institute are committed to ensuring that NELA’s nationally renowned continuing legal education programs are accessible to those who would otherwise not be able to attend without financial assistance. We encourage applications for scholarships from legal services, public interest, and private lawyers who represent workers. Based on financial need, scholarship awards will cover the cost of the Boot Camp registration fee, hotel expenses (room and tax for a maximum three-night stay), and/or transportation.

To be considered for a scholarship, you must complete the online application form. You will be asked to upload a letter on your employer’s letterhead describing:

  • your interest in attending the Trial Boot Camp,
  • the nature of your legal practice or the legal services you provide,
  • the workers you represent,
  • the need for financial assistance,
  • how the Trial Boot Camp relates to your practice and/or the clients you serve, and
  • any other information you wish us to consider.

You must submit your application and supporting documents no later than September 14, 2026. If you have questions about the application process, please contact us at nelahq@nelahq.org.

Please note the following:

  • Preference will be given to applicants who provide direct legal services to workers.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Scholarships are not transferable.
  • All applicants will receive notification that their application has been received and whether it has been granted or denied. Those receiving scholarships will be sent written confirmation at least two (2) weeks in advance of the program. Applicants who do not receive notification one (1) week before the program should contact NELA to inquire about the status of their application. Scholarships will not be awarded retroactively, and applications will not be considered after the deadline of September 14, 2026.
  • Scholarship recipients who do not attend the seminar will forfeit their scholarship award.

The National Institute for Workers’ Rights was established in 2008 as NELA’s public interest organization. NELA and the Institute share a vision of a future in which all workers are treated with dignity and respect; workplaces are equitable, diverse, and inclusive; and the well-being of workers is a priority in business practices. The Institute’s mission is to advance workers’ rights through research, thought leadership, and education for policymakers, advocates, and the public.

Application Deadline: September 14, 2026

Scholarship Application

We welcome your financial support of the Workers’ Rights Advocacy Scholarship Program. Your contribution toward making NELA’s renowned continuing legal education programs more accessible to employee advocates is deductible as a charitable donation to the extent provided by law. Visit us online to make your gift, or contact Leah A. Hofkin, NELA and the Institute’s Director of Development (Tel: (415) 296-7629; Email: lhofkin@niwr.org).

“I very much appreciated the opportunity to attend the NELA CLE. It was very helpful and informative as I think about how to expand my non-profit’s legal program work into advocacy on behalf of low wage workers and sexual harassment. Thank you very much for this opportunity.”