YOUNGSTOWN - A Youngstown State University student is now among the distinguished ranks of congressional representatives, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, and other public services to earn a prestigious scholarship.

Jason Hess, a Mechanical Engineering major and member of the Sokolov Honors College from West Middlesex, Pennsylvania is Youngstown State University’s first-ever recipient of the Truman Scholarship.

Truman Scholars demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence. Each Truman Scholar receives funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.

Past Truman Scholars include United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch, White House Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and Fair Fight founder Stacey Abrams (1994).

Hess was announced as a 2023 Truman Scholar announced by the Board of Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.

“Jason perfectly exemplifies the outstanding leadership potential, commitment to a career in public service, and academic excellence the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation is looking for when naming their scholars,” said Helen K. Lafferty, interim president of YSU.

Hess, who will graduate from YSU in Spring 2024, intends to pursue a master’s degree in Aerospace/Astronautical Engineering and Public Policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Already a published author on the topic of orbital space debris, Hess is pursuing a career focused on space sustainability, one of the United Nations’ global sustainable development goals.

Each Truman Scholar receives funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.

This year, the Foundation reviewed 705 candidates from 275 institutions, naming 199 students as finalists based on their records of leadership, public service, and academic achievement.

Hess was selected as one of 62 students nationwide to be named a Truman Scholar, joining a community of 3,504 Truman Scholars named since the first awards in 1977.

Hess serves as a teaching assistant for three YSU first-year engineering classes, chief coordinator of YSU Engineering week, which includes several events and opportunities to mentor middle school students, and a volunteer coach for the Wilmington Area High School football team.

He devotes 40 hours each week during football season to coaching the team he once led as captain, an opportunity he describes as a rewarding opportunity to build relationships.

“Jason Hess represents the qualities we see in so many of our students. He combines drive, intellect, an inquisitive nature and the quality of persevering in the face of adversity,” said Ron Shaklee, director of National and International Scholarships in the Sokolov Honors College and YSU Truman Scholarship Representative.

Established by Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and national monument to public service, the Truman Scholarship carries the legacy of the 33rd President by supporting and inspiring the next generation of public service leaders.

"The receipt of the Truman Award is a testament to Jason’s dedication to learning, leading and serving with the support of his faculty, Dr. Shaklee, his family, peers and extended community,” said Amy Cossentino, dean of the Sokolov Honors College and associate provost. “Hess’ accomplishment shines a light on the many ways honors students live the mission of the Sokolov Honors College.”