Two Penn juniors, Anea Moore and Stephen Damianos, have been awarded Harry S. Truman Scholarships, a merit-based award of as much as $30,000 that supports college students who plan to pursue careers in government or public service and who wish to attend graduate or professional school in order to help prepare. They are among 59 Truman Scholars selected this year from among 756 candidates nominated by 311 colleges and universities. College juniors are considered eligible applicants for Truman Scholarships if they are U.S. citizens and “change agents” with a desire to improve the ways in which government agencies, non-profit organizations or educational institutions serve the public.

Ms. Moore, who is majoring in sociology and urban studies with a concentration in law and a minor in Africana studies, plans to pursue a JD along with graduate degrees in education and public policy. She is a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) student who has been an advocate for the Penn First community on campus. She also serves as the assistant family-engagement coordinator at Lea Elementary School in West Philadelphia.

Mr. Damianos is studying political science and communication and plans to pursue a JD with a focus on immigration law after he graduates in 2019. He is the president and founder of Penn Undergraduates for Refugee Empowerment, an organization that empowers refugees with transferable skills needed to succeed as active citizens. He has conducted research on the rising levels of incivility in politics and the judicial considerations in immigrant-bond proceedings. In addition, he has worked with the United Nations’ “Together” campaign, mobilizing university students for refugee advocacy.

Ms. Moore and Mr. Damianos will receive their awards in a ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, on May 27.