Fellowships and Grants

Truman Scholarship

Internal deadline: November 12, 2012

National deadline: February 5, 2013

Eligibility requirements:

  • a full-time junior-level student at a four-year institution pursuing a bachelor's degree during the 2011-2012 academic year. 'Junior' here means a student who plans to continue full-time undergraduate study and who expects to receive a baccalaureate degree between December 2013 and August 2014, or a student in his or her third year of collegiate study who expects to graduate during the 2012-2013 academic year
  • U.S. citizen
  • candidates must demonstrate:
    • extensive record of campus and community service
    • commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit and advocacy sectors*
    • excellent communication skills and a high probability of becoming a "change agent"
    • strong academic record with likely acceptance by a first-rate graduate school
  • upper 25% of class (often candidates have 3.8 or better grade point average)
  • must be nominated by Whitman (up to four students may be nominated)

*The Foundation defines public service as employment in government at any level, uniformed services, public-interest organizations, nongovernmental research and/or educational organizations, public and private schools, and public service-oriented nonprofit organizations such as those whose primary purposes are to help needy or disadvantaged persons or to protect the environment.

Award summary and conditions:  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. Scholars are required to work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of a Foundation funded graduate degree program as a condition of receiving funding.  Scholars who are not employed in public service for a total of three years, or who fail to provide proof to the Foundation of such employment, will be required to repay any funds received along with interest.

The Foundation provides:

  • Up to $30,000 in support for graduate studies toward a public service-related degree. The Foundation has supported Truman Scholars in many fields of study, including agriculture, biology, engineering, environmental management, physical and social sciences, and technology policy, as well as traditional fields such as economics, education, government, history, international relations, law, political science, public administration, nonprofit management, public health, and public policy;
  • Truman Scholars Leadership Week. This event, held at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, introduces new Scholars to the services provided by the Foundation and the many pathways to public service.  Scholars participate in seminars and workshops with distinguished Truman alumni and other public service leaders, a policy analysis project, a graduate school and career fair with representatives from the schools and programs most attended by Truman Scholars, and community service events in the Kansas City area.  This event is mandatory for all students selected as Truman Scholars;
  • Summer Institute. Immediately after college graduation, Scholars have the opportunity to participate in a ten-week long Summer Institute in Washington, DC.  The Foundation arranges internships with government agencies and nonprofit organizations, seminars and workshops, meetings with Washington policymakers and Truman alumni, and opportunities for community building among Scholars;
  • Truman Fellows Program. After Summer Institute, Scholars may elect to stay on in Washington, DC for a full year in the Truman Fellows Program.  Scholars are placed in public service jobs – most with the federal government – while participating in a graduate level public policy course, mentoring opportunities, and a community service program.

Application process: electronic

Application materials:

  • A 14-question application form
  • Three letters of recommendation regarding leadership ability and potential, commitment to a career in public service and intellect and prospect for continuing academic success
  • Policy proposal
  • Recdent transcript
  • Letter in institutional nomination written by the faculty rep

Whitman internal application requirements: By the internal deadline, the following should be submitted to the Fellowships & Grants Office:

  • something that looks like a resume with special focus on community service
  • answer question 7, "Describe one specific example of your leadership."
  • answer question 9, "Describe the problem or needs of society you want to address when you enter public service."

Faculty Representative: Pat Keef

Internal nomination required: Yes; Whitman may submit up to four nominees

National committee interview: Yes

Selection process:  The Finalist Selection Committee.  A committee examines all nominations and selects about 200 Finalists to be interviewed for Truman Scholarships. Finalists are selected on the basis of:

  • extent and quality of community service and government involvement;
  • leadership record;
  • academic performance, writing and analytical skills; and
  • suitability of the nominee's proposed program of study for a career in public service.

The Regional Review Panels. Regional selection panels interview Finalists in March and select Truman Scholars largely on the basis of:

  • leadership potential and communication skills;
  • intellectual strength and analytical ability; and
  • likelihood of 'making a difference' in public service.

Announcement dates:
Finalists announced:  February 24, 2013
Scholars announced:  April 11, 2013

Contact information:  http://www.truman.gov/