Harry S. Truman Scholarship

Program Overview

Click here to view the Truman Scholarship flyer, which gives the basics, timeline, and deadlines!

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation - the federal memorial to our thirty-third President - awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. Truman Scholars take part in the Truman Scholars Leadership Week, which gives scholars the chance to meet other like-minded students from across the nation; learn more about graduate school and scholarship opportunities; interact with past scholars and career public servants; and undertake a community service project. Some Truman Scholars are also able to take part in the Summer Institute after graduation, which includes a nine-week internship in Washington, DC; seminars in public policy; workshops; and social activities with other Truman Scholars. 24 of the Scholars will also be selected to work in DC for one year after graduation as a part of the Truman-Albright Fellows Program, which includes a year-long public service position, and graduate-level seminars in public policy. Truman Scholars also bypass the written section of the Foreign Service Officer examination and move directly to the oral exam.

Eligibility

To be eligible for nomination for a Truman Scholarship, you must meet the following minimum eligibilty standards:

• A college junior (click here for the Truman foundation's definition of this term).
• A strong student academically. The Truman requires that students be in the top quarter of their graduating class.
• Have a commitment to a career in public service, as defined above.
• A United States citizen or a United States national from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Resident aliens (green card holders) are not eligible.

Common Characteristics of Successful Truman Applicants

• Accomplished, proven, and effective leaders
• People who have taken or shown initiative - starting or exploding organizations or ideas
• Vision/creativity
• Interest in policy or solutions at a systemic level
• Interest in politics or political means to an end
• Intelligent, articulate, and well-versed in a variety of topics
• Energetic