Penn State Dickinson Law hosts 2026 CLEO Pre-Law Institute

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.—For the second consecutive year, Penn State Dickinson Law hosted The Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc.’s (CLEO) Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI).

PLSI is offered to 2026 graduating college seniors or any post-graduates who plan to attend law school in the fall of 2026 or the following year. This year’s program started on May 26 with a three-week virtual component, with in-person classes at the Penn State Dickinson Law University Park location beginning on June 15 and running through July 2.

“CLEO PLSI is a transformative six-week program that gives our scholars an immersive, real-world preview of law school life—from the rigor of the curriculum, networking and professionalism skill-building, to experiencing the rhythm of campus living,” said Valerie D. James, senior assistant dean for academic and student services and PLSI director. “It’s a unique opportunity for students to build confidence, sharpen legal skills, and enter law school ready to thrive from day one. I am thrilled to be a part of their journey to law school and impressed by their enthusiasm and commitment to excellence.”

Thirty scholars participated in Torts, Criminal Law, and Legal Writing courses taught by Penn State Dickinson Law faculty, getting to experience the Socratic Method first-hand; learned how to build and utilize functional study groups; wrote an essay exam and got a debrief; and began to build their network of fellow law students. The experience also included an excursion to Harrisburg and Carlisle, a networking baseball game, and a graduation and celebration breakfast.

“It has been a privilege to be part of this year’s CLEO Pre-Law Summer Institute,” said Kalene Faircloth, senior associate director of academic & student services and PLSI assistant director. “I’m continually in awe of these scholars’ dedication and commitment to pursuing a legal education and embracing this experience as an integral part of the journey. This cohort of scholars has supported each other in and out of the classroom and built lasting connections with each other and Penn State Dickinson Law. I’m grateful to have witnessed their growth during the program and look forward to seeing the impacts they’ll make in law school, the legal profession, and the communities they serve.”

Penn State Dickinson Law hosted PLSI previously from 2020–2022, in a virtual capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the hybrid format in 2025.

Latrice Heflin-Rashid, now a student entering her second year at Penn State Dickinson Law, participated in PSLI in 2025 as a student scholar and joined this year’s program as a teaching assistant.

“CLEO completely changed my life,” said Heflin-Rashid. “It provided the foundation I needed to face the rigors of law school and gave me a community of people who share my background and experiences. Returning as a TA this year has been a profound, full-circle moment. Mentoring and guiding pre-law students allowed me to reflect on my own journey while giving back, and my ultimate hope is that I’ve made this intense process meaningful for them. CLEO didn’t just ignite the passion I always knew I had; it opened my eyes to an incredible network of like-minded people and created friendships that will last a lifetime."

CLEO is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization founded in 1968. Through educational programs, it works to expand access and opportunities for all aspiring students to attend and succeed in law school. CLEO serves students of all identities and backgrounds, with more than 32,000 students having participated in its programs and joined the legal profession. Penn State Dickinson Law is a CLEO Consortium on Legal Education partner, supporting CLEO’s commitment to expanding access to legal education and supporting aspiring law students.