The Truman Scholarship seeks juniors with leadership potential who are committed to careers in public service and are interested in graduate study. Students must have a record of campus and community service, outstanding communication skills, and a strong academic record. Recipients receive up to $30,000 for graduate studies in the United States or abroad that are related to public service. The scholarship also includes a week of leadership training and an optional summer institute. Truman Scholars are required to work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of their graduate degrees. The University of Oregon may nominated up to four candidates.

Eligibility 

• Institutional endorsement required - applicants are not able to apply directly
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or a national from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands)
  • Permanent residents are not eligible
• Open to all academic fields
• A full-time junior-level (class standing) student

Award Highlights: 

• Scholarship valued at $30,000 in support of studies toward a public-service degree
  • $3,000 for the senior year of undergraduate study, and up to $27,000 for two years of graduate school
• Attendance at Truman Scholarship Leadership Week
• 10-week Summer Institute in Washington, D.C immediately after college graduation
  • After the Summer Institute, Scholars may opt to stay on in Washington, D.C. for a full year in the Truman-Albright Fellows Program. Fellows are placed in public service jobs while participating in workshops, seminars, and mentoring opportunities

Application Components: 

• Submit a pre-application registration on the Truman website
• Response to the following prompts:
  • Describe one specific example of your leadership or a particularly rewarding public service activity. (1,500 character limit)
  • Describe the problem or needs of society you want to address when you enter public service. And identify potential obstacles to that problem and ways of addressing them. (2,000 character limit)
  • List three graduate schools and their programs that you intend to pursue.
  • In one to two sentences please explain what you hope to do and what position you hope to have 5-7 years from now.
• Policy proposal
• Letter of recommendation (3); one each emphasizing the following:
  • Commitment to a career in public service
  • Intellect and prospects for continuing academic success
  • Leadership abilities and potential
• Transcript (s)

Harry S Truman Scholarship website

Click here to preview the application materials

UO Endorsement Submission Deadline: November 14, 2024

External Deadline: February 4, 2025

*Meeting with ODS Advising Team is REQUIRED for UO Endorsement

Advisor: Office of Distinguished Scholarship