Manuel and Ana Maria Benitez Public Interest Award at the University of Buffalo 2026

Manuel and Ana Maria Benitez Public Interest Award

Established by Alberto Benitez, JD ’86, BA ’83, and Janice Ann Salas in 2023.

Eligibility criteria -

• The applicant must be a law student from a historically underrepresented* group majoring in the School of Law.
• Preference given to students who show demonstrated interest in the public interest field.
• They must demonstrate financial need. Domestic students must complete the FAFSA; international students must submit a financial need statement via the general application.

*For purposes of this scholarship, the term “underrepresented” is intended to refer to individuals who have been historically underrepresented in a particular field of study, profession, or educational pathway based on factors such as socioeconomic background (e.g., Pell eligibility), first-generation college status, geographic origin, educational access, AmeriCorps alumni status, veteran status, or other unprotected characteristics. This term does not establish preference based on race, sex, ethnicity, or any other protected classification under applicable federal or state law.

Application process -

• The applicant must visit the official website for the same

Note - This award will be mailed directly to the recipient(s) and will not be applied to their student account. If selected, the department may request additional information from you to process the award.