The Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards college students who wish to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. They will receive leadership training, graduate school counseling, preferential admission, and merit based aid to some premier graduate institutions, and internship opportunities with federal agencies. Scholars are required to work in public service for three of seven years following completion of a Foundation funded graduate degree program as a condition of receiving funding. 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 school, and public service oriented non-profit organizations.

  • Campus deadline: Late November to early December each year 
  • Final deadline:  Early February each year 
  • Amount of support: The Foundation awards $30,000 merit-based scholarships to college students who wish to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service.
  • Number of scholarships: 50-65 scholarships

Eligibility

A Truman scholarship nominee must be:

  • A junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution;
  • Nominated by the Truman Scholarship Faculty Representative at his or her respective institution;
  • In the upper quarter of his or her class;
  • A United States citizen, permanent resident or a United States national from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Resident aliens (green card holders) are not eligible.

A good candidate for the Truman Scholarship also:

  • Has an extensive records of public and community service;
  • Has an outstanding leadership potential and communication skills; and
  • Committed to careers in government or elsewhere in public service, as defined by the Foundation.

Application Procedure

Candidates must first be nominated by the Truman Faculty Representative at their institution. Each accredited four-year institution may nominate up to four students every year. There will be a competitive selection process to determine ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s four students. Candidates will complete an on-line application form, including several short essays.  This application requires three letters of recommendation.