Grace Pusey, Montgomery County Community College, Pennsylvania

Grace Pusey, a second year student in the Honors Program at Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania, is committed to improving the literacy levels for the poorest of citizens in the US and abroad so they may exercise their civic rights in a democracy. To this end, Grace traveled to northern India to provide instruction in both Hindi and English at two schools for disabled and poor children. As part of this work, Grace raised awareness about the importance of childhood health and education for economic development, resulting in funding for food, instructional materials and basic needs. As the President of the West Campus Student Government Association, Grace is also a vocal advocate for funding for higher education at the state and federal levels.