About the Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, a memorial to our thirty-third President, awards merit-based scholarships to college students planning careers 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.
The mission of the Truman Scholarship Foundation is to find and recognize college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education, or elsewhere in public service and to provide them with financial support for graduate study, leadership training, and fellowship with other students who are committed to making a difference.
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. Primary criteria for selecting Truman Scholars include:
- extensive records of public and community service
- outstanding leadership potential and communication skills
- commitment to careers in government or elsewhere in the public sector
All Truman Scholars must work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of a Foundation-funded graduate degree program.
