Julia Udell CC’21, a history major from New York City, has been chosen as one of 62 students to receive a Truman Scholarship.

The Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States.

Julia Udell CC’21

Udell serves as a Student Advisory Board Member for The Eric H. Holder Jr. Initiative for Civil and Political Rights, an undergraduate fellow for A Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual (the Columbia Law School publication offering legal information to those incarcerated) and an editor for the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review.

Udell is committed to justice, which has led her to volunteer as a tutor on Rikers Island with the Justice-in-Education Initiative and intern at organizations such as The Bronx Defenders and the Brennan Center for Justice. This past year, Udell carried out an empirical study of federal habeas corpus appeals, uncovering findings cited in a petition for certiorari currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. Udell plans to pursue a career in public service, in order to combat inequality by expanding access to justice.

The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to President Harry S. Truman. The Foundation awards scholarships for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. The activities of the Foundation are supported by a special trust fund in the U.S. Treasury.

Each new Truman Scholar receives up to $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also 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. Recipients must be U.S. citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, demonstrate academic excellence and be committed to careers in government or the nonprofit sector.

Columbia College students interested in learning more about applying for the Truman Scholarship program are encouraged to connect with Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.