The Howard R. Swearer Student Humanitarian Award recognizes five students annually from Campus Compact member institutions who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to public and community service. Candidates must be nominated by the president of their college or university. Generally, applicants must show evidence of having performed an outstanding project in public service during the preceding year, taking an innovative approach to a social, governmental, or legal problem within the community. Fellows then spend five weeks in group projects dealing with public concerns such as housing, health care, economic development, energy, and corporate social responsibility. A bachelor's degree is required, post-graduate or work experience is preferable, and most candidates have been active in campus or community activities.
Many universities offer credit toward graduate degrees for participants in the program.
This is for Minnesota groups. The Truman Foundation scholarships are awarded to students who are juniors at four year institutions or sophomores at community college and who show potential for leadership in government and related public service. An institution may nominate up to three students each year, but they must appoint a faculty representative to serve as a liaison between the campus and the foundation. Preference will be given to those applicants who have already found such a position but who require additional funds. Awards five finalists in five categories who demonstrate outstanding achievement in public service.