Students Today, Change Agents Tomorrow
September 13, 2006
The Washington Post recently covered the 2006 Truman Scholars Program, a government sponsored agency led by Madeleine Albright. The former secretary of state describes the foundation as, "a gateway for America's public service leaders" which "does a remarkable job of identifying future change agents." Each year, 75 new scholars enter the program. These men and women are carefully selected from the top of their classes, identified to possess incredible leadership potential, and then provided with the financial support and guidance to realize their ambitions. The Mission Statement for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation is simple:
- to find and recognize college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in the public service; and
- to provide them with financial support for graduate study, leadership training, and fellowship with other students who are committed to making a difference through public service.
As the agency nears its 30 year anniversary, alumni have certainly made a difference; having reached positions of power ranging from governors and judges, to U.S. attorneys and academics. Through the Truman Foundation, Albright helps to put students with a passion for making change in the public service sector in a great position to do so. She sets high expectations for this group, saying, "I can easily see tomorrow's Cabinet members, elected representatives, nonprofit directors -- even presidents."
GCA.com will continue to seek out institutions and individuals who are looking towards Generation Y for future change agents. Several previous postings have covered education programs of this nature. From Geoffery Canada and Dr. Dennis Harper, to the Michigan and Los Angeles School Systems, countless others have recognized the potential change agents in Generation Y, and strive to cultivate this talent and guide it towards greatness.
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