University of New Mexico student Emma Hotz is one of just 193 from institutions across the country to be a 2021 Truman Scholarship Finalist.
Hotz is a recipient of the UNM Scholars Scholarship studying Political Science and Sociology, with a Political Science Honors designation and an Honors College designation. She will be interviewed by the Truman Foundation’s Regional Review Panel in Phoenix next month.
Students are chosen based on their exemplary dedication to leadership, public service and academic achievement. This year, 845 applicants representing 328 colleges and universities applied for the scholarship.
Hotz was raised outside of Albuquerque, N.M. Her determination to serve underserved populations and her community stems from her experience as a Woman of Color growing up in rural New Mexico. These experiences sparked a passion to help spearhead the implementation of an Asian Pacific American Culture Center at UNM, following her vast experience serving in student government and being an active participant in many student and political organizations. Hotz’s passion for public service progressed as she was able to serve as a Basic Needs Intern for UNM Honors College Research Institute, which coincided with her interest in establishing the ASUNM Emergency Scholarship with peers.
Hotz hopes to focus on tackling basic needs insecurity, homelessness, and racial/ethnic inequality when she enters public service after completing her MPP and JD, with concentrations in Human Rights and Social Justice.
The Truman Foundation, established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to the 33rd President of the United States, awards scholarships for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. The activities of the Foundation are supported by a special trust fund in the U.S. Treasury.