Supplemental funding is a way to increase your summer income as much as possible; we strongly suggest all interested students apply for both SPIF and supplemental funding sources in order to maximize their summer earnings potential. Any supplemental funding you receive from your SPIF employer, including wages, stipends, housing, transportation, etc., and any fellowships you receive for your SPIF position will count towards the SPIF Funding Cap. However, funds you receive for your non-SPIF position have no effect on your SPIF funding amount, but must be reported to the Student Financial Services Office if you are receiving financial aid in your Summer Update form.
There are several sources of Supplemental Funding:
HLS Affiliated Supplemental Funding Sources
These funding sources are specific to HLS students. A brief synopsis of each fellowship is listed below, further details and deadlines may be found on the HLS Affiliated Supplemental Summer Funding Sources page.
Fellowships Administered By SPIF:
Lani Guinier Summer Fellowship: For those who will engage in advocacy and policy work for an organization advancing social justice and democracy.
Justice John Paul Stevens Fellowship: For full-time, unpaid SPIF eligible public interest positions at nonprofit or government entities.
L. Anthony Sutin Public Service Fellowship: All SPIF eligible employment will be considered. Preference will be given to applicants who obtain summer employment in the Appalachian region or in other areas in the United States that have typically been underrepresented.
James Vorenberg Equal Justice Summer Fellowship: For those who will pursue a summer internship in the fields of civil rights and criminal justice at a nonprofit or public interest law firm.
Tommy Raskin Public Service Fellowship Fund: Preference will be given to students with a demonstrated commitment to service.
Harvard Club of New York Summer Fellowships: For any 1L or 2L interning at organizations focused on environmental law, poverty law, or child advocacy; or at the NAACP; and located in New York state.
T.A. Barron Fellowships for Summer Work in Public Interest Environmental Law: Qualifying work could include positions at government entities, NGOs, or other public interest organizations working on environmental issues.
Other Fellowships and Internships
There are many fellowships and internships available to supplement SPIF. One good place to start your research is PSJD – an online resource for law students.
Please note, recipients of Blackstone Fellowships are not eligible for SPIF. This is because the combined value of the Blackstone scholarship as well as the the airfare, lodging, and meals provided exceeds the $9,500 SPIF Funding Cap.
Stipend or Pay from an Employer
While an employer may not be able to offer a full salary for the summer, they may be able to offer a stipend or a partial salary.
Additional Employment
There are 16 weeks between the last day of exams and the first day of classes. Getting a second, non-SPIF eligible job during that time period will not affect your SPIF funding and is a good way to increase your summer income.