Northwestern junior Ji Hye Choi recently received the Harry S. Truman Scholarship for her work in prison education and civic engagement. Truman scholars around the country are awarded up to $30,000 to “recognize their commitments to careers in public service.” They also receive leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.
Choi is currently studying political science in Northwestern’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, and is pursuing a career as a wrongful convictions attorney. Along with her work at the university, she also tutors at the Stateville Correctional Center through Northwestern’s Prison Education Program (NPEP) and the Undergraduate Prison Education Partnership (UPEP). According to Choi,
“Being involved with UPEP has helped me realize how our country and in particular our criminal justice system has such a deeply rooted history of systemic racism and disempowering structures. Going to Stateville Correctional Center and interacting with the amazing students there further solidified my commitment to our cause.”
With the funding and support from The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, Choi aims to pursue a law degree after her coursework at Northwestern.
Learn more about Ji Hye Choi Northwestern Now’s article, “Truman Scholar hopes to make an impact in criminal justice reform.”