How the Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation Supports Students From High School to Law School

 

Becoming a lawyer is a long journey. It doesn’t start in law school—it begins years earlier, when a young student first imagines themselves in a courtroom, a firm, or a judge’s chambers. For many Black students, that dream can feel out of reach because of financial barriers, limited exposure, or the belief that “people like me don’t become lawyers.”

The Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation exists to change that story by walking with students every step of the way—from high school hallways to law school graduation.

Supporting High School Students: Planting the Seed

In high school, many students have never met a lawyer in person or learned how the legal system really works. That’s why our foundation focuses on early exposure and encouragement.

We support high school students by:

• Visiting classrooms and community programs to talk about legal careers
• Hosting informational sessions on what lawyers actually do
• Encouraging strong study habits and leadership skills
• Helping students understand what courses and activities will prepare them for college and, eventually, law school

When a student hears a Black attorney share their story, it lights a spark. They can picture a future in which they belong in the legal profession.

Guiding College Students: Building the Pathway

College is where many future lawyers either stay the course—or lose momentum. Balancing classes, work, and family responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially for first‑generation students.

The Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation helps college students by:

• Providing scholarships and financial assistance so students can focus more on studying and less on debt
• Offering mentorship and guidance on choosing majors, internships, and extracurriculars that strengthen law school applications
• Connecting students with professional role models who can answer real questions about the LSAT, personal statements, and resumes

We want college students to know that they don’t have to navigate this path alone. With the right support, their law school dream becomes a reachable goal.

Empowering Law Students: Staying the Course

Law school is challenging for everyone, but Black law students often face added pressures: financial strain, isolation, and the weight of being one of only a few students of color in their classes.

Our foundation steps in with:

• Scholarships and grants to help cover tuition, books, and living expenses
• Networking opportunities with practicing attorneys and judges
• Workshops and mentorship on topics like interviewing, clerkships, and passing the bar exam

We believe that once a student has made it to law school, the community has a responsibility to help them finish strong.

Mentorship That Follows Students at Every Stage

One of the most powerful aspects of the Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation is continuity. We don’t just show up once and disappear—we strive to build long‑term relationships.

A student might first hear about us in high school, apply for a scholarship in college, and later receive mentorship as a law student. They may even return as practicing attorneys to mentor the next group of students coming behind them.

This creates a cycle of support:

1. Students receive help.
2. They become lawyers.
3. They return to lift up the next generation.

That is how real, lasting change happens in the legal profession and in our communities.

How You Can Help Strengthen This Pipeline

The work of supporting students from high school to law school is bigger than any one foundation—it requires a community.

You can get involved by:

• Donating to fund scholarships and programming
• Sharing information about the foundation with students, schools, and community groups
• Volunteering as a mentor or speaker if you are a legal or professional leader
• Partnering with us through your organization, firm, or school

Every hour volunteered, and every dollar donated helps another student move one step closer to a law degree—and to a career serving justice.

If you’d like to learn more about how we support students or how you can join this work, we invite you to connect with the Ted & Kelli London Charitable Foundation today.