Website: http://www.truman.gov/
For More Information Contact: Prof. Margaret Pearson– truman@umd.edu
Who Can Apply: US Citizens or nationals (by the date the scholarship will be awarded) – Juniors, Third-Year Seniors – GPA of 3.5 or higher strongly recommended – All Majors
IMPORTANT: All candidates for Truman Scholarships must be nominated by their college or university. The University of Maryland will nominate up to four highly qualified candidates. Please contact Dr. Pearson at truman@umd.edu for information about the Maryland nomination process.
Description: The purpose of the Truman Scholarship 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 the 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 through public service.
The Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 in funding to students pursuing graduate degrees in public service fields. Students must be college juniors at the time of selection. The Foundation also provides assistance with career counseling, internship placement, graduate school admissions, and professional development. Scholars participate in a number of Truman sponsored programs:
Truman Scholars Leadership Week: This event, held at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, introduces new Scholars to the services provided by the Foundation and the many pathways to public service. This event is mandatory for all students selected as Truman Scholars;
Summer Institute: Immediately after college graduation, Scholars have the opportunity to participate in a ten-week long Summer Institute in Washington, DC.
Truman Fellows Program. After Summer Institute, Scholars may elect to stay on in Washington, DC for a full year in the Truman Fellows Program. Scholars are placed in public service jobs – most with the federal government – while participating in a graduate level public policy course, mentoring opportunities, and a community service program.
Program Preferences: Successful Candidates must demonstrate:
• An extensive record of campus and community service;
• Commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit and advocacy sectors;
• Excellent communication skills and a high probability of becoming a "change agent";
• A strong academic record with likely acceptance by a first-rate graduate school.
Please see “Are You a Potential Truman Scholar?” for detailed information about Truman Scholarship preferences.
Service Obligation: Scholars are required to work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of a Foundation funded graduate degree program as a condition of receiving Truman funds.
Award Amount: Up to $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars may defer, for up to four years, Foundation support for their graduate studies after completion of their undergraduate studies.
UMCP Campus Deadline: November 23, 2020 – All Maryland applicants for nomination to the Truman Scholarship competition must turn in their applications to the National Scholarships Office, 2403 Marie Mount Hall, by this date.
