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The Ashley Stewart Memorial Scholarship

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On January 27, 2026, Ashley A. Stewart, a mother of six and aspiring attorney, was brutally murdered in her own home. Her ex-husband has been charged with this heinous act of domestic violence. Ashley’s tragic loss is emblematic of a widespread issue across the country, as many people suffer in silence through family violence. In memory of Ashley, we are opening the Ashley Stewart Memorial Scholarship to single parents pursuing law school, with a personal experience with domestic violence and/or with a demonstrated passion for fighting domestic violence.

The Ashley Stewart Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 to one student per year who meets all of the scholarship criteria. We will accept applications until the final deadline of July, 8 2026.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact scholarships@dupagedivorcelawyers.com.

Eligibility Requirements

Students interested in applying to the Ashley Stewart Memorial Scholarship must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

  • You must be a single parent.
  • You must be enrolled in an undergraduate program with plans to attend law school or be enrolled in an accredited law program.
  • You must be at least 17 years old.
  • You must be a citizen of the United States.

Applying for the Ashley Stewart Memorial Scholarship

To be considered for the Ashley Stewart Memorial Scholarship, submit an essay responding to one of the following prompts in approximately 1,000 words:

  1. Describe your experience and passion for advocating for domestic violence victims and state in what ways you have or upon graduation from law school will advocate to protect survivors of domestic violence? Talk about your desired practice area and how you will advocate for those in need.
  2. Describe the specific challenges you have encountered as a single parent pursuing law school and explain how overcoming those difficulties has strengthened your resilience and overall commitment to success in the legal field.
  3. If you have been directly affected by domestic violence (as a survivor or supporting loved ones), reflect on how this experience has influenced your decision to pursue a legal education.

We also ask that you provide proof of enrollment at an accredited school in PDF format.

What Are the Evaluation Criteria?

Our judges will review your essay based on how it aligns with these criteria:

Nagle & Giese, P.C. Do you describe your goals in clear, actionable terms?
Nagle & Giese, P.C. Does your essay show your passion for protecting survivors of family violence?
Nagle & Giese, P.C. Is your essay thoughtfully organized and easy to read?

Contact Us With Questions

If you need additional clarification about the Ashley Stewart Memorial Scholarship, you can reach us at scholarships@dupagedivorcelawyers.com. We are available for questions during regular working hours on weekdays.

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The Ashley Stewart Memorial Scholarship is managed through the OVC Scholarship Network.

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