Hours of service to students in Washington, D.C., public schools have paid off for Jason Crawford (COL ’05), an Amherst, N.H., resident who recently became one of 77 college students nationwide to be named a Truman Scholar and the only Georgetown student awarded this year.

“I was thrilled to hear about the scholarship,” Crawford said. “It was especially exciting because President DeGioia called to give me the good news.”

The Truman Scholarship Foundation, whose board is led by former U.S. Secretary of State and Georgetown professor Madeleine Albright, recognizes college juniors nationwide for their leadership and commitment to community involvement and academic achievement, especially within the public policy, education and public or government service fields.

Crawford, an American Studies major who plans to attend law school and study public policy, has spent much time researching education and educational policy. He has augmented this research with his work as a teacher in an inner-city D.C. school, and with his involvement in a literacy program in a low-income housing project in Washington, D.C.

He also helped found Partnership in Athletics, Community Service and Tutoring, a mentoring program that connects Georgetown Students with middle school students to complete community service projects.

“Jason’s interest in educational policy combines his dedication to academic analysis and public service,” Jane cAuliffe, dean of Georgetown College, said in a press release.

Crawford is also a John Carroll Scholar, a member of the Jesuit Honor Society and a member of the The Corp’s Board of Directors.

Crawford and the other 2004 Truman Scholars, will convene in issouri this May to receive their awards and participate in a leadership development program with fellow award recipients.

Truman Scholars are provided with $26,000 for senior year tuition and graduate studies, along with leadership training opportunities, and connections with other like-minded students from across the nation.