Wayne Law students selected for Equal Justice Works Summer Corps program

Three Wayne State University Law School students have been selected for the Equal Justice Works 2011 Summer Corps program. Zoila Del Castillo, Michael Kiehne and Natalia Vieira Santanna will become official members of AmeriCorps and, upon completion of 300 hours of service with a nonprofit organization this summer, will receive a $1,132 AmeriCorps education voucher to apply to educational expenses or eligible student loans. The Summer Corps program, which is open only to students attending Equal Justice Works member schools, selected approximately 700 of the record 1,898 applicants for this honor. "I am gratified that, as an Equal Justice Works member school, Wayne Law is a partner in extending such a wonderful opportunity to deserving students like Zoila, Michael and Natalia," said Diane Fears, director of the Wayne Law Career Services Office and Pro Bono Program coordinator. "I wish them all the best as they devote their time and talents to their respective organizations this summer." Del Castillo, Kiehne and Vieira Santanna were selected earlier this year as 2011 Public Interest Law Fellowship recipients. Hours served as fellowship recipients also will be used to fulfill the 300 Summer Corps service hours. "The amazing work AmeriCorps has done and continues to do fills me with an immense sense of both pride and humility because I am now associated with such a phenomenal organization," said Kiehne, who will complete his hours at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid in El Paso. "I look forward to being exposed to a plethora of legal matters ranging from environmental issues to landlord-tenant disputes and from immigration concerns to federal cases involving employment matters that will go to trial." "I am honored to be a Summer Corps recipient," said Del Castillo, who will work at WomensLaw.org. "This program is legendary, and I believe that the opportunities that come with being a Summer Corps fellow will help me advance my academic aspirations of becoming a public servant. I am particularly excited to represent Wayne State University Law School in this exceptional program." Vieira Santanna will complete her hours at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center in Kalamazoo. Published: Tue, Jun 21, 2011