Youngstown State student earns prestigious Truman Scholarship
Jason Hess, a mechanical engineering major and member of the Sokolov Honors College, is Youngstown State University’s first-ever recipient of the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship.
The scholarship helps college juniors pursue careers in public service in higher education.
Hess is from West Middlesex, Pennsylvania. He was honored by the current president of the university with the award.
“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. “This is a well-deserved honor and we celebrate Jason’s hard work in the classroom and his dedication to make an impact in his community.”
Watch Jason receive his award during class.
Hess will graduate from YSU’s engineering program in 2024, after which he plans on continuing his education through the Truman scholarship program.
He intends to pursue a master’s in Aerospace/Astronautical Engineering and Public Policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The college student is already a published author on orbital space debris. He’s passionate about pursuing a career focused on space sustainability, one of the United Nations’ global sustainable development goals.
He was one of 62 students in the United States to be named a Truman Scholar, joining a community of 3,504 Truman Scholars named since the first awards in 1977.
Giving back to his community, Hess coordinates YSU Engineering week, which includes multiple events and opportunities to mentor middle school students. He’s also a volunteer coach working 40 hours each work for the Wilmington Area High School football team.
“Jason Hess represents the qualities we see in 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.
“As he prepared for his Truman Scholar interview, Jason remarked on several occasions about how he was proud to represent YSU as a candidate. It exemplifies his humble nature that he portrays himself as a representative of all YSU students, and the honor is not his alone.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Get the latest Mahoning Valley news in your email inbox weekday mornings. Sign up here for our free daily newsletter.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here’s how you can support Mahoning Matters.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow Mahoning Matters on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.