Hope Brinn '15 is one of just 59 students from around the country to earn one of this year's Truman Scholarships, which recognize academic achievement and leadership as well as commitment to public service. Announced on Wednesday, the scholarships provide students with $30,000 for graduate study.

"I was shocked and excited by the news," says Brinn, a sociology/anthropology and educational studies major and Lang Scholar from Newark, Del. "I'm so grateful to now have the financial support to pursue a graduate degree and join a powerful alumni network of scholars across the country committed to social change."

Brinn runs a mentoring program that guides low-income, high-achieving high school students through the college admissions process. Over the past year, she has also been at the forefront of the Title IX reform movement on college campuses across the United States. She hopes to pursue a graduate degree in school counseling and eventually work in public policy to widen college access for low-income students. 

In addition to the funding for graduate study, Truman Scholars receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling, and special internship opportunities within the federal government. 

"[The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation] provides scholars with an unbelievable set of opportunities to help them achieve their goals to be change agents," says Brinn. "I cannot wait to see how much I learn and grow from the experience."

Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, president of the Foundation, announced this year's Truman Scholars, who were chosen from 52 U.S. colleges and universities. Mostly college juniors, the winners were selected from among 655 candidates nominated by 294 colleges and universities. 

Seventeen independent selection panels made the selections. The panels met across the U.S. and included distinguished public service leaders, elected officials, university presidents, federal judges, and past Truman Scholarship winners. Recipients must be U.S. citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top quarter of their classes, and be committed to careers in government or the non-profit sector.

This year's Scholars will assemble on May 22 for a leadership development program at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., before receiving their awards in a special ceremony at the Truman Library in Independence, Mo., on May 25.