Craig A. Diehl Pathway to Law Program
A fully online, immersive program designed to expand access to legal education by supporting first-generation students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Penn State Dickinson Law, with the generous support of Craig Diehl ‘88 and his wife Stephanie, is pleased to host the Craig A. Diehl Pathway to Law Program.
The Craig A. Diehl Pathway to Law Program at Penn State Dickinson Law (the “Pathway Program”) is designed to support first-generation students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds at Penn State University Commonwealth Campuses and institutions within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) as they pursue a pathway to successful legal education.
Through introductory instruction in doctrinal courses as well as providing foundational skills for legal research and writing, scholars participating in the inaugural Pathway Program will be prepared for the rigor of a legal education while building personal and professional identities.
The Pathway Program encourages undergraduate students from the 14 PASSHE institutions as well as undergraduate students from Penn State University's 19 Commonwealth Campuses to apply to this immersive, opportunity-focused program.
The fully online, immersive program provides participating scholars with approximately 50 hours of foundational instruction and supplemental preparatory work throughout the month of June, 2026. The Pathway Program, intended for rising, undergraduate juniors and seniors, will accept online applications through March 31.
Program inquiries and questions can be directed to diehlpathway@psu.edu.
Craig A. Diehl Pathway to Law Program (DPLP)
Valerie D. James, Sr. Assistant Dean and Director of DPLP
Kalene Faircloth, Assistant Director of DPLP