Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The Truman Foundation identifies aspiring leaders at a critical inflection point in their development – when they are college juniors – and recognizes and rewards their commitments to careers in public service. The Truman Scholarship offers an opportunity for these leaders. While the details have changed over time, the Scholarship remains proudly bound to the vision of its founding Board of Trustees. Each year, hundreds of college juniors compete for roughly 60 awards. The rigorous selection process requires good candidates to have a strong record of public service and a policy proposal that addresses a particular issue in society.

Firmly rooted in President Truman’s belief that education promotes the general welfare of our country, the Truman Scholarship remains committed to supporting and encouraging the future of public service leadership in the United States. Many of those chosen as scholars go on to serve in public office, as prosecutors and public defenders, as leaders of non-profit organizations, and as educators. The Truman Scholarship often helps launch these careers.

Available programs

Truman Scholars are eligible to participate in a number of programs designed to help Scholars on their path in public service:

• Truman Scholars Leadership Week (TSLW): Is required of all Scholars and serves as the introduction to the Truman Scholar community.
• Summer Institute (SI): Is optional and open to Scholars the year after selection and provides a summer opportunity in Washington, DC.
• Truman Albright Fellows: Is open to Scholars working in public service in Washington, DC, between undergraduate and graduate school.  This program can be repeated for several years.
• Truman Democracy Fellows Program: Is open to Scholars planning to run for public office at any level. Scholars apply to this program, which runs in odd-numbered years.
• Truman Governance Fellows Program: Is open to Scholars who aspire to high-level appointed positions within the federal government.  Scholars apply to this program, which runs in odd-numbered years.

Year	Name	Major	Finalist/Winner
2014	Thompson, Davis	Political Science	Finalist
2011	Bogle, Katherine	Political Science	Finalist

Learn more about National Fellowships and Other International Scholarships and Awards. For more information or assistance with your application, contact the Undergraduate Fellowships Office.