A Pitt junior was awarded a Truman Scholarship to pursue graduate studies in public service

Sam Podnar, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, has been awarded a 2025 Harry S. Truman Scholarship. The prestigious national award recognizes the next generation of public service leaders and provides up to $30,000 for graduate studies in a related field.

The politics and philosophy major in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and David C. Frederick Honors College is one of 54 winners across the U.S., selected from a pool of 743 candidates. The 14th Truman scholar in Pitt’s history, Podnar will receive financial support, mentorship and priority admission to public service graduate programs.

Podnar found her passion for education policy while attending high school in Pittsburgh’s North Allegheny School District, where she worked with members of the school board and administration, parents, teachers and students to organize more than 75 community events — including the 2023 Pittsburgh Youth Changemakers Conference — dedicated to advancing policy reforms to make the district more welcoming. As an incoming Pitt first-year, Podnar was named a Class of 2026 Stamps Scholar, receiving a full-ride scholarship for Pennsylvania residents who exemplify leadership, scholarship, service, perseverance and innovation.

Her interest in policy continued into college, and she has now written on the topic in numerous articles for Pitt’s Policy and Political Review, a nonpartisan student-led journal. “Education is a very important part of ensuring that everybody has a good amount of opportunity,” Podnar said.

Along with serving as president of the College Democrats, Podnar has also been involved in the University’s Incline Consulting Group and the Pitt Pantry.

Podnar already has extensive experience in state and federal politics, having worked for U.S. Rep Chris Deluzio, Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Miller and former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. After graduation and attending graduate school, Podnar hopes to work in the state legislative area to help make change in education.

“I'm going to stay involved and in touch with College Democrats, all the other organizations I was a part of,” said Podnar. “I can hopefully help bring in speakers or help other students work toward the same goal, learn more about public service, get more opportunities in Pennsylvania or Western Pennsylvania.”

Podnar’s Truman Scholarship nomination was supported by Lesha Greene, director of the Frederick Honors College’s Office of National Scholarships and Post-Graduation Success.

Podnar thanked Greene as well as mentor Jaime Martinez and her family for inspiring her along the way and leading her to who she is now.

“I am beyond excited for Sam’s win,” said Greene. “She truly embodies what it means to be a public servant even at such a young age. She has made use of the resources offered here at Pitt and has also forged her own path. It was a pleasure to work with her on this application, and her recognition shows what is possible at Pitt.”

In addition to the monetary award, winners gain access to the Truman network of other winners in the past, which includes current politicians, activists, CEOs and more. As Podnar becomes part of this network, the proud Pittsburgh native hopes to use the opportunity to give back to the area which she affectionately calls the “best city in the world.”

“It's very meaningful, for me, to win at Pitt,” said Podnar. “I’m hoping to use this to open doors for more people by encouraging more people come to Pitt and making sure that our other Pitt students are having these sorts of opportunities.”

Photography provided by Sam Podnar