University of Washington senior Alula Asfaw, a 2003 Highline High School graduate, last week was named recipient of the 2007 Harry S. Truman Scholarship.

The Truman Scholarship is awarded for exceptional demonstration of leadership in public service.

Asfaw was recognized for his involvement in the development of the university's Dream Project, which he began his freshman year. The service-learning course, which started with 11 students, now has an enrollment of 85.

"It is aimed at community building," Asfaw said recently.

The outreach and service-learning program runs two-fold: it works with local high schools in the Seattle School District to give college-bound students assistance in the application process while simultaneously teaching UW students about educational opportunity and social mobility.

"The class allows for UW students to address and discuss issues in class and go out to the high schools and apply their knowledge and awareness to the specific community."

As a first-generation college student whose parents encouraged Asfaw and his brother to move to out of Ethiopia to America for protection from the dangers of war, Asfaw turned to UW's Upward Bound program for college-application assistance.

"The staff and counselors from my high school were always encouraging, but the Upward Bound program really helped me out. I want to provide a similar resource for other graduating high school students while raising awareness among college students," said Asfaw.

In recognition for his initiative with the Dream Project and long-involvement with other public services, Mona Pitre-Collins, director of Undergraduate Scholarship, nominated Asfaw as a scholarship candidate.

The Truman Scholarship provides $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and special internship opportunities within the federal government.

It provides an ideal opportunity for students interested in careers in government or the non-profit sector.

A political science and English literature major, Asfaw plans to pursue a law degree or a Ph.D.

"I want a career which allows me to be an advocate for the most marginalized in our country," he added.

Among 585 candidates nationwide, only 65 were selected as scholarship recipients.

The long application process included 12 essays, a policy proposal and several interviews in front of a select panel, which typically included a university president, a federal judge, a distinguished public servant and a past Truman Scholarship winner.

"It was not a friendly interview," Asfaw noted. "Their interrogations test the sincerity of your convictions. It was tough."

Asfaw has also been recognized for his involvement with the local community when he was named as a 2006 McNair Scholarship recipient, a Mary Gates Leadership Scholar, a City of Seattle Local Hero Award recipient and a 2006 Zesbaugh Scholar.

In May, the 2007 Truman Scholars will assemble in Missouri for a leadership development program and the receipt of their awards.