top of page

Legacy in action · Opportunity with purpose

Her light lives on
through your impact.

The Crystal Welch Memorial Scholarship supports law students who are preparing to

advocate for vulnerable families and create lasting change in their communities.

      $1,000                     Sept 4                       500–750

   Fall award       Application deadline    Essay word

                                                            count

A legacy that
keeps opening doors.

Crystal Welch brought compassion, conviction, and a vibrant spirit to her work in family law and advocacy.

This scholarship carries that spirit forward by investing in emerging legal professionals who want to protect children, strengthen families, and serve communities too often left without a voice.

Scholarship opportunities

Two awards.
One enduring purpose.

Applications open August 17

Fall 2026

BLSA
Scholarship

$1,000 one-time award

  • Open to current BLSA members

  • Priority consideration for Black law students, with a strong preference for women

  • Funds paid directly to the selected student

  Spring · Law Day

     Spring 2027

Child Advocacy
Scholarship

$500 one-time award

  • Open to second- and third-year law students

  • For students interested in child advocacy, family law, or adoption

  • Additional application details will be announced in spring

Your voice. Your vision.
Your next step.

The fall application is intentionally simple: one thoughtful essay, a few basic details, and a clear vision for how you hope to serve.

Essay prompt

500–750 words

Describe how you plan to use your legal education and career to make an impact on vulnerable families and communities.

A trauma-informed application. You will not be asked to disclose personal experiences with domestic violence, abuse, or trauma.

Read More

01

Confirm eligibility

Fall applicants must be current BLSA members and enrolled as law students.

02

Prepare your essay

Respond to the prompt in 500–750 words. Focus on your goals, ideas, and intended impact.

03

Submit by September 4

Complete the online application and upload your essay no later than September 4, 2026

Good to know.

Who may apply for the fall award?

The $1,000 fall scholarship is open to current BLSA members. Priority consideration is given to Black law students, with a strong preference for female students.

Do I need to share a personal trauma story?

No. The application is designed to be trauma-informed. Your essay should focus on how you plan to use your legal education and career to serve vulnerable families and communities.

How will the award be paid?

The scholarship is intended to be issued directly to the selected student, allowing the award to support immediate educational and living expenses.

​

What is the spring Child Advocacy Scholarship?+

The $500 spring award is planned for a second- or third-year student interested in child advocacy, family law, or adoption. Full details will be announced ahead of Law Day.​

Carry the legacy forward

Your legal education can become
someone else’s new beginning.

THE LAW OFFICE OF KIMBERLY S. SWEENEY PLLC

The pursuit of legal justice can be a difficult and complex process that often requires the resources and expertise of a qualified law firm.

ADDRESS

Corporate Office

296 Beauvoir Road

Suite 100-365

Biloxi, MS 39531

OUR OFFICES

Jackson Office: 769-823-3733  

4780 I-55, Ste 102                    

Jackson, MS 39206             

CONTACT US

Gulfport Number: 228-901-2420

Fax Number :601-501-7851

bottom of page