Recipients were selected for the fellowship based on leadership ability, academic record and potential to lead successful careers in public service, according to Alexa Shabecoff, director of the Office of Public Interest Advising at HLS.

A panel selected by HLS Dean Robert C. Clark chose the recipients, who submitted a resume and recommendations to the panel in March.

The amount of money granted was based on financial need, with those likely making less money receiving more aid, Shabecoff said.

Jacqueline A. Burke, a recipient who said she plans to work in the district attorney's office in Philadelphia, said the money will help her as she starts her career.

"I'm going to use the fellowship to pay off loans," she said. "It's always good to have extra money for starting off."

Though HLS does not specifically follow up on all of the students to whom it awards fellowships, the majority of recipients have continued careers in public service.

A 1996 survey by HLS showed that out of 75 students who had received fellowships since 1990, 70 were still working in careers that promoted the public interest.

Although HLS was not able to grant fellowships to all who applied, another program, the HLS low income protection plan, helps students pay off loans, Shabecoff said.