Kush Arora Federal Justice Reform Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Price Benowitz

Kush Arora, a committed criminal defense attorney based in Maryland, dedicates his practice to defending individuals charged with a range of offenses, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. The role of a criminal defense attorney is both challenging and crucial, as it safeguards the principle of presumed innocence, a fundamental pillar of our justice system. Therefore, it is vital for all accused individuals to have access to competent legal advice.

Attorney Arora takes his role in the Maryland criminal justice system very seriously. He appreciates students who understand and question the justice system, pondering the fairness or unfairness of laws. These qualities are important for all citizens, not just those working in the criminal justice field. With a commitment to nurturing future leaders in legal reform, Attorney Arora offers financial assistance and academic recognition to those who share these values.

Attorney Arora believes that the success of the criminal justice system relies on bright young minds pursuing their academic aspirations, whether they are studying law, another discipline related to the criminal justice system, or participating in civic activities. To assist students in realizing their goals and enhancing the justice system, Attorney Arora has created the Kush Arora Federal Justice Reform Scholarship. This scholarship grants $1,000 to a deserving student who exhibits a thoughtful, well-argued perspective on the fairness of specific laws and criminal justice policies.

Who Can Apply?

• The scholarship is open to undergraduate, graduate, and law school students, as well as incoming first-year college students who are enrolled or will be enrolled in an accredited institution within the United States for the Spring or Fall 2026 semesters.
• Employees of Kush Arora Criminal Defense Attorney, their immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, and spouses), and those living in the same households as these individuals (whether related or not), are not eligible to participate in the competition.
• The applicant must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and show an interest in criminal justice reform.

How to Apply?

• The applicant must complete the form below with all required information.
• The applicant must submit an essay of 750-1000 words in response to the prompt: Provide a well-reasoned argument about whether a specific policy (of your choice) in the criminal justice system is unjust and needs reform, or is just and should remain unchanged.
• Essays will be evaluated based on the logic of the response, not the stance of the argument.
• Please be aware that all essays will be checked for AI writing. If AI writing is detected in the essay, the application will be rejected.
• The applicant must provide a professional resume outlining their professional and academic experiences.
• The applicant must provide a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or those who have recently transferred institutions may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school and the most recent official transcript from their previous school. High school students may provide proof of admission to their college or institution.
• Preference may be given to students either from Maryland or attending secondary school in Maryland.

The application deadline for this scholarship is December 31, 2025. The recipient of the 2025 Federal Justice Reform Scholarship will be selected in the month following the scholarship deadline.