Implement a scholarship program for indigent defenders to attend existing CLE programs

Many organizations provide excellent training opportunities, including but not limited to: NACDL’s CLE Institute, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA), the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants (ABA-SCLAID), and the National Criminal Defense College. Unfortunately, these organizations, which are all not-for-profit entities, operate with limited resources. Many depend upon tuition and registration fees in order to conduct the trainings, provide support and maintain their capacity to serve the defense bar.  In addition, there are seldom resources available to enable indigent defenders of limited means to attend the training programs.  We will identify existing training opportunities and develop an application process whereby indigent defense providers can seek scholarships to attend these programs.  We will then review submissions and provide qualified applicants with registration or tuition assistance in the form of reimbursement of some or all of their conference fees.