Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in public service. While only college juniors are eligible to apply, the Truman Scholarship provides funding for graduate school. Scholars are required to work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of a Truman Foundation-funded graduate degree program as a condition of receiving funding.
Award: 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. The foundation selects approximately 60 Scholars each year.
Criteria: The Foundation seeks future “change agents” who aspire to leadership positions in federal, state, or local governments or in the not-for-profit and education sectors where they can influence public policies and change public programs. Criteria for selecting Truman Scholars are mainly (1) leadership; (2) commitment to a career in public service; and (3) likelihood of success in graduate school.
(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.)
Eligibility
- a full-time junior-level student at a four-year institution pursuing a bachelor’s degree during the academic year of application
- endorsed by the Truman Scholarship Faculty Committee at their institution (see “How to apply for UNC endorsement” section below)
- a United States citizen
- see Truman Foundation website for complete description of eligibility
How to apply for UNC endorsement
- Email ODS (ods@unc.edu) a copy of your CV or resume and indicate that you are interested in applying for the Truman Scholarship
- You are also encouraged to schedule an appointment with ODS
- An ODS team member will create your online account for you and you will receive an email prompting you to begin the online application; do not enter your application to the Truman portal yet
- Request Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
- Use the Recommender Name Submission Form to request letters. (Do not input recommender names into the Truman application at this stage.)
- *The Truman Scholarship has specific requirements concerning who can write your letters; please review those requirements on the website before selecting recommenders*
- Apply for UNC Endorsement with the Application for UNC Endorsement Form
- Prepare and upload a single PDF that includes (in this order)
- Your CV
- The completed Truman Application downloaded from the online portal
- All relevant transcripts
- Prepare and upload a single PDF that includes (in this order)
Resources for applicants
- Review the ODS “Tips & Advice” document for advice on applying for a distinguished scholarship
- Thoroughly read the following Truman rules and guidelines:
- ODS information sessions and prep-shops
- Schedule a meeting with the ODS director to discuss your application and receive advice to consider as you prepare for the endorsement deadline. Non-local applicants may schedule meetings via Skype or phone
