Grants and Scholarships

Thomas F. Black, Jr. Scholarships Program  

The Rhode Island Bar Foundation’s Thomas F. Black, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1989 to support and foster high legal practice standards by assisting Rhode Island residents who show promise that they will become outstanding lawyers and who need financial assistance to study law. The Scholarship is in honor of the late Thomas F. Black, Jr., a person known for his impressive ability as a lawyer and banker, his deeply rooted legal scholarship and his notable participation in civic and charitable causes. The Bar Foundation intends to award two scholarships of $25,000 to a Rhode Island resident who will be entering their first year of law school in September 2024. The scholarship is for the first year of law school only and non-renewable.

Nicole J. Benjamin Scholarship Program

The Nicole J. Benjamin Scholarship was founded in 2023 by Past Bar Foundation President John A. Tarantino, Esq. and recognizes President Benjamin's exemplary contributions to the legal community. It aims to support aspiring legal professionals who exhibit leadership potential and a commitment to service to the community. Benjamin candidates will need to consider what makes an effective leader and explain how they possess the qualities of a good leader. The Bar Foundation intends to award one scholarship of $25,000 to a Rhode Island resident who will be entering their first year of law school in September 2024. The scholarship is for the first year of law school only and non-renewable.

Patrice A. Tarantino Memorial Scholarship Program

The Patrice A. Tarantino Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by former Bar Foundation President John A. Tarantino in memory of his late wife, Pat. The Scholarship is a lasting tribute to Pat’s memory. The Bar Foundation intends to award one scholarship of $25,000 to a Rhode Island resident who will be entering their first year of law school in September 2024. The scholarship is for the first year of law school only and non-renewable.

Two scholarships from the Papitto Opportunity Connection Foundation (Papitto) in the amount of $25,000 each will also be awarded to candidates who are committed to actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in society. Papitto candidates must provide specific examples of strategies that have been undertaken, or will be undertaken, within both the legal profession and the broader community to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Papitto candidates will need to consider how they believe their unique background, experiences, and perspectives have contributed, or will contribute, to their endeavors to foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Founded in December 2020, the Papitto Opportunity Connection was formed by Barbara Papitto as a continuation of the long-time commitment she and her late-husband Ralph have made to creating educational opportunities and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in Rhode Island.

Application Period

In January of 2024, the Rhode Island Bar Foundation will be accepting applications for the Scholarships of the Rhode Island Bar Foundation for academic year 2024-2025. The scholarships are each a one-year, non-renewable award, for full-time students who are Rhode Island residents who will be entering their first year of law school in September 2024. The deadline for submitting the application is March 31, 2024.