Tanisha Carothers

30 students, including Tanisha Carothers of Evansville, are participating in the Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO) Summer Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana.  ICLEO is a program designed to assist Indiana minority, low income or educationally disadvantaged college graduates in pursuing a law degree and a career in the Indiana legal community.

Tanisha Carothers is the daughter of Kelly Scroggins. She is a 2005 graduate of North High School. She continued her education at Tennessee State University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2009. Carothers was involved in the Sociology Club, Alpha Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and served as a Youth Praise Dance Instructor. She continues to be involved through her newly founded community organization, Evansville Collegiate Advisory Council, which prepares local youth for college. Carothers would like to operate a juvenile rehabilitation center. She will attend Indiana University School of Law—Indianapolis in the fall.  Carothers explained, “To whom much is given, much is required and I believe in giving all I can to my family and my community because these are the same people that God has allowed to invest in my life and dreams. I want to make sure others are able to achieve their dreams and the legal profession will help me to do so.”

ICLEO was established in 1997 by the Indiana General Assembly and Governor Frank O’Bannon at the urging of Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard.  Chief Justice Shepard explained, “These are intelligent and eager students who will be welcome additions to the legal profession.  Many of them have overcome great obstacles to gain academic success.  This program is a stepping stone to help them achieve their dreams.”    

Each year, ICLEO accepts 30 college graduates into the program.  The students attend a six-week Summer Institute held at one of the four Indiana law schools.  This year, the program is at Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis.  The students are introduced to areas of law which they encounter during their first year of law school.  They also receive tips for law school success and professional development advice. With challenging scholastics and practical advice, ICLEO is designed to prepare the students for the rigors of their upcoming law school experience.  The Indiana Supreme Court’s Division of State Court Administration provides staff support and financial management for ICLEO.

After successful completion of the Indiana CLEO Summer Institute, students are eligible for an annual stipend ranging from $6,500 - $9,000.   Stipends may be awarded for up to three successive years if the student remains eligible.  After graduation, ICLEO Fellows continue to have a supportive network of legal mentors comprised of alumni and program supporters.