Harry S. Truman Scholarship
About
Founded in the late 1970s, the Truman Foundation serves as a memorial to the 33rd President of the United States, who highly valued education and public service. The mission of the Truman Foundation is to find and recognize college juniors with outstanding potential for leadership in public service and provide them with leadership training and funding for graduate study.
Award
Up to $30,000 to cover graduate school expenses such tuition, fees, books, room & board. Funds may supplement other scholarship monies the student receives but will not duplicate them. In addition to the funds for graduate school, Scholars receive leadership training and internship opportunities.
Time
Scholars participate in a leadership week and a summer program following the award (summer before senior year). Then students receive assistance with the graduate application process. The funding for graduate school is divided for the length of the program. A scholar can receive up to $15,000 in the first year of graduate school, and up to $15,000 in their last year.
Number
60-65 per year. The Foundation tries to award at least one per state each year.
Who’s Eligible
U.S. citizens who are in their junior year of undergraduate study and who plan to pursue a career in public service and want to be agents of change.
Selection Process
Very competitive. In addition to academic excellence, successful applicants demonstrate a commitment to public service, an awareness of the global and national community, and a drive to change our world in some way. The Truman Foundation receives over 600 applications for the 60-65 scholarships they award, and this does not even reflect the on-campus competition for university nomination.
Application Process
The Truman application is made available online in the fall. UT Truman applicants must submit their online application and at least two of the three required letters of recommendation in late fall, before Thanksgiving weekend. (See the ONSF Calendar for specific dates.) A campus committee will meet to review all applicants before making decisions concerning university nomination. UT may nominate up to four students each year in the Truman competition.
Application due early February. In addition to the university nomination and official application form, applicants must submit a policy proposal and three faculty recommendations. The application form includes 14 questions that require thoughtful responses of 100-250 words each.
Campus Contact
Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships, F101 Melrose Hall, (865)974-7875. Call or email to schedule appointment.
Official Website
http://www.truman.gov
