The University of Georgia School of Law has announced the creation of the Hart Family Foundation First-Generation Scholarship Fund, backed by a $2 million commitment. This initiative aims to support first-generation college graduates pursuing law degrees at the university.
E. David Hart Jr., an alumnus from the class of 1980, played a crucial role in securing this funding. He expressed his strong belief in higher education and noted how his own experience at Georgia Law contributed to his family's business success. "Providing scholarships for other first-generation college graduates is a privilege and a blessing for me," Hart stated.
Currently, there are 77 first-generation students enrolled in the law program at Athens. These students receive additional support through initiatives like a First-Start coordinator and the First-Generation Students Association. Since 2021, every first-generation student at the School of Law has received some form of financial aid.
Dean Usha R. Rodrigues emphasized that this donation represents a significant investment in students who are breaking new ground within their families and aiming to contribute positively to society and the legal field. She highlighted that since 2015, efforts have been made to provide financial assistance to these students through various scholarship funds.
"I am thankful to David and the Hart Family Foundation for their continued generosity and belief in the School of Law and the next generation of legal leaders," said Rodrigues. She added that this collaboration helps define what it means to be an exemplary national public law school.