In memory of Suffolk prosecutor Paul McLaughlin, and in honor of his commitment to using the law as a means to improve the communities he served, District Attorney Rachael Rollins has created the Paul R. McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship and invited high school students in their junior year from Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop to apply.
“I never had the privilege of working with Paul, but more than 25 years after his murder, his passion for justice and second chances still stand as an inspiration to all of us. This scholarship opportunity is one way that we can continue the work that Paul dedicated his life to,” District Attorney Rollins said. “He saw the role of the prosecutor as more than just holding individuals accountable for their actions. He knew that serving the community means engaging with the community not just on the worst days of their lives, but every day; not just in courtrooms, but in neighborhoods.”
Beginning in the Summer of 2021, McLaughlin Scholars will have the opportunity to join District Attorney Rollins’ office for a two-month, paid internship. The program pairs each student with a mentor within the office and allows the Scholars to work alongside SCDAO staff. Scholars will be immersed in one of five internship focus areas: Public Policy and Strategy, Community Affairs and Relationships, Child Protection and Advocacy, Neighborhood Safety and Strategic Prosecutions, and an Executive Team placement.
This office’s relationship with the McLaughlin Scholars will continue well after their internship ends. Upon acceptance into college, the Scholars will receive financial assistance toward their higher education.
“Paul’s legacy lives on in the work that we are doing here at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, at the Dorchester youth center that bears his name, and now with the McLaughlin Scholarship. This fund will help the next generation of aspiring civic leaders achieve the education necessary to continue the work that Paul committed his life to. Paul’s work continues through all of us, and with this scholarship fund, we’re able to ensure that his work continues for generations,” District Attorney Rollins said. “We’ve reached out to our partners at Suffolk County high schools and the community nonprofits we work with to spread the word about this high school scholarship opportunity. We also made sure that our partners at the Department of Youth Services are aware of this opportunity. I encourage all youth to apply for the Scholarship, regardless of their interactions with the criminal legal system. I want to ensure that eligible young people in every neighborhood my office serves are able to apply for this opportunity. It is my hope that our pool of applicants reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our community, as well as the commitment to service that Paul’s legacy embodies.”
The deadline for applications is February 5, 2021. An online information session will take place on January 6, 2021. For more information or to apply for the Paul R. McLaughlin Scholarship, please visit suffolkdistrictattorney.com/scholarship.