Megan Wilkening High Quality Photo

Megan Wilkening of Cedar Lake is one of about thirty students participating in the 2010 Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Summer Institute in Valparaiso, Indiana.  CLEO 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.

Wilkening is the daughter of Dean and Theresa Wilkening of Cedar Lake and Ronald Jeka of Chicago, Illinois.  She is a 2006 graduate of Hanover Central High School where she was active in three foreign language clubs, English academic team and National Honor Society.  She is a 2010 graduate of Hanover College with a degree in Philosophy and is a 2006 recipient of the Lilly Endowment Community scholarship.  She plans to attend Valparaiso University School of Law in the fall and was honored to be named a CLEO Fellow.  “This summer, I will begin to realize my dream of studying and practicing law.  This process has its foundation not only in my hard work and ability, but in the engagement and support of my peers, mentors, and community.”

Indiana CLEO 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, “Over the past 13 years CLEO has encouraged young adults with promise to enter the legal field.  These are students who traditionally do not turn to a career choice in the legal arena, but with CLEO as a spring board they are successful.  I’m proud of each student and excited to see what talents the newest CLEO class brings to the legal community.” 

Each year, Indiana CLEO accepts approximately 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 Valparaiso University School of Law.  CLEO is designed to prepare the students for the rigors of their upcoming law school experience.  The students are introduced to areas of law which they will encounter during their first year of law school.  They take part in a challenging curriculum and receive tips for law school success and professional development.  The Indiana Supreme Court’s Division of State Court Administration provides staff support and financial management for CLEO.

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, CLEO Fellows continue to have a supportive network of legal mentors comprised of alumni and program supporters.