FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Applications are open for SPPARK, the University of Arkansas School of Law's Summer Pre-Law Program. The application deadline is Monday, April 18.

SPPARK is an annual program designed to expand diversity in law schools and in the legal profession. The in-residence summer program accepts up to 25 college students entering their junior or senior years in fall 2016.

The first part of the program is facilitated online and requires approximately 15 hours of guided self-study, which includes a reading assignment, a writing assignment and an online, self-directed, software-based workshop.

The second part of the program is held on campus, where students will receive an immersive experience consisting of in-person, interactive academic and professional development seminars and excursions. Instruction and meals during the on-campus portion of the program will be provided free-of-charge.

Students from the following groups are encouraged to apply:

• Attending a college or university with historical or significant populations of African American, Asian American, Latino and American Indian students
• First generation in their family to attend college
• Have experienced or are experiencing significant financial challenges
• Populations that are historically underrepresented in law school

The program runs from July 5-29, with July 5-11 reserved for online, guided self-study and July 12-29 on the University of Arkansas campus.

Applicants for SPPARK 2016 must submit the following application materials as one packet, by email received by 11:59 p.m. or by mail postmarked by April 18, 2016:

• Completed Application Form
• Personal Essay (500-word maximum)
• Resume
• Current Transcript (official or unofficial acceptable)
• Two Letters of Recommendation (signed and sealed in envelopes or sent separately by the recommender to the email or physical address listed below)

Please email completed application packets to SPPARK@uark.edu or mail them to:

Summer Pre-Law Program
1 University of Arkansas, School of Law
1045 W. Maple St.
Fayetteville, AR 72701

SPPARK is a continuation of LSAC's Discoverlaw.org Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars Program, known as the PLUS Program. Preference will be given to students who have not previously attended a PLUS Program. Students who are accepted to a PLUS program for summer 2016 will not be able to attend PLUS and SPPARK.

More information on SPPARK courses and professional development, the application process and costs may be found on its web page. Please email SPPARK@uark.edu for assistance.