Internship Guidelines

Application for Internship

Applications for 2024 will be accepted starting February 1, 2024. Please complete the application by Friday, March 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Students interested in SWEL must submit the following documentation with the application: 

>> A current resume

>> A cover letter

>> A current transcript (can be official or unofficial)

>> One letter of recommendation from a teacher/professor, adviser, coach, etc. This letter must be included with your application on the recommender’s letterhead. 

>> Click here to complete the application (Google Form)

* It is pertinent that your application, resume, and transcript be accurate.  Failure to ensure the accuracy of the documents may be grounds for your application not being considered for the program.

Any submissions after March 15, 2024 will not be accepted.  Students must have a current and valid driver’s license or state I.D. card and a Social Security card or birth certificate.  For more information contact swelprogram@gmail.com.

Eligibility

SWEL affords students the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the rigors of a career in law and the preparation needed to be successful in such a career.  SWEL targets primarily Greater Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton African American high school seniors and college students.  Because we offer internships at legal sites in Dayton and Columbus, Ohio, we encourage students who are from Cincinnati and/or Dayton, but also those who attend college in Dayton and Columbus to apply. SWEL selects students based on interest and availability, and offers supporting classes and supervision to retain student interest over several years.

 Participation in other summer activities (e.g., College of Mt. St. Joseph’s SCOPE program, Upward Bound, band camp, athletics, summer school) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  Summer school for high school students is generally a disqualifier.

Criteria 

Acceptance into SWEL is competitive in nature.  Criteria includes, but is not limited to demonstrated competence in academics as reflected in the academic transcript; writing ability as demonstrated in the resume and cover letter; and employment availability.  In addition, school and community activities are considered good predictors of a successful SWEL scholar

Program Information

SWEL is a summer academic enrichment and internship program that helps students make an informed decision about applying to law school.  SWEL sets the stage for each scholar’s own self-discovery by exposing them to the inherent opportunities and challenges of practicing law through summer work experiences, coaching, and networking.  The program operates from approximately early June through early August.  SWEL scholars attend weekly legal seminars, work in paid legal internships, visit law schools throughout the tri-state region and elsewhere, and participate in networking and community service activities.  SWEL scholars are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation for the summer.