Born out of the desire to give back to the community and provide a means to support for future generations of Hispanic law professionals, the Hispanic Police Officers of New Bedford established a need-based scholarship for UMass Law students of Hispanic or Latino descent from Bristol County.

“We know that quality representation in the criminal justice system is necessary to ensure fair results,” said Sgt. Samuel Ortega of the New Bedford Police Department. “As we learned more about UMass Law, it was obvious to us that we had found the proper home for our efforts.”

Captain Nathaniel Rodriguez and his team at the New Bedford Police Department responded to support Sgt. Ortega’s scholarship initiative. “We were inspired to help ease the cost for those from Hispanic cultures who are pursuing a law career.”

Receiving the scholarship makes a significant difference for UMass Law students like Judith Cruz Caballero, JD candidate ’22, the 2021 recipient, who plans to pursue a career in public interest law. “I was moved to see the support from the Hispanic Police Officers of New Bedford towards Hispanic students' legal education. We share a similar mission: to protect and bring justice to our respective communities and believe that diversity in the legal system helps further progress and justice.”

“We know that quality representation in the criminal justice system is necessary to ensure fair results. As we learned more about UMass Law, it was obvious to us that we had found the proper home for our efforts.”