J. L. Pottenger, Jr. ("Jay"), a co-founder of Open Communities Alliance (OCA), was a tireless advocate for fair housing and equal justice. His dedication to OCA remains at the heart of our work to unwind Connecticut's stark history of government-perpetuated segregation and our effort to reduce social, economic, and health disparities experienced by low-income families of color.

Jay also demonstrated his passion for housing justice through his devotion to the Yale Law School Clinical Program, where he served as a professor and mentor for 45 years. Jay gave students clinical experience working on a variety of projects, including OCA matters ranging from legislative advocacy to federal litigation. Jay was a rare combination of teacher, advocate, litigator, counselor, and visionary champion for justice.  He would fight for the rights of the oppressed when no one else would.

We honor Jay's legacy of a life devoted to service through The Pottenger Fellowship Fund. This Fund provides stipends to Pottenger Fellows – law students interning at Open Communities Alliance whose institutions do not provide them with a stipend.

During their time with OCA, Pottenger Fellows learn the history and laws of housing segregation, gain skills in advocacy and organizing, and deepen their understanding of legislation and litigation. The Pottenger Fellowship is open to undergraduate and graduate/law students, with a focus on students in, or interested in attending, law school. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit The Pottenger Fellowship application page.

We invite you to contribute to the Fund as a way to honor Jay, advance OCA's mission, and join us as we nurture young people in their pursuit of justice, fair housing and a more equitable world.

Donations to The Pottenger Fellowship Fund can be made online below.

Checks can be mailed to Open Communities Alliance at 60 Popieluszko Court, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106.
Please write "The Pottenger Fellowship Fund" on the memo line.

Open Communities Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization registered with the IRS (EIN: 46-4591657). All donations are tax-deductible
to the fullest extent permitted by law. We do not trade, rent, sell or share the names, addresses or e-mails of our donors.