Two Kansas University seniors from Topeka have advanced to the regional level in the competition for Harry S. Truman Scholarships.

Erin Elizabeth Atwood, majoring in genetics and Spanish, and Cara Neufeld Smith, majoring in applied behavioral science with a community health concentration, will interview with a regional panel on Monday in Kansas City, Mo.

The scholarships provide up to $30,000 for college students preparing for leadership in public service.

Both students plan to pursue medical degrees and graduate degrees in public health.

Regional panels throughout the U.S. will interview about 200 finalists and make recommendations for the 75 scholarships that are available. Winners will be announced March 29.