Adam Cohen, a junior at the University of Pennsylvania, has been awarded a Harry S. Truman Scholarship, a merit-based award for college students who plan to pursue careers in government or in public service, wish to attend graduate or professional school to help prepare for their careers and are U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals. He is among 60 students awarded Truman Scholarships this year and is the 22nd Truman Scholar from Penn since 1981.

Cohen, of Scarborough, Me., is pursuing a major in urban studies in the School of Arts & Sciences. He is engaged in evidence-based social policy improvements in both Philadelphia and in his home state.

Cohen’s work at Penn’s Netter Center for Community Partnerships has helped improve post-secondary success initiatives in West Philadelphia public high schools.  He has worked with Netter affiliated faculty members to develop and coordinate three college-access programs that serve high school juniors and seniors and has also contributed to improving Penn’s Academically Based Community Service program. 

Cohen serves on the Netter Center Student Advisory Board and also on the Executive Council of the Christian Association Dana How Scholars Program, which seeks to increase undergraduate involvement in West Philadelphia. After graduating, Cohen hopes to continue working on education and community development initiatives in Philadelphia.

Additional information about the Harry S. Truman Scholarship program is available through the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships at http://www.upenn.edu/curf/fellowships/fellowships-directory/truman-scholarship.