Are you a Freshman, Sophomore or Junior?  Are in interested in graduate school?  Are you looking for a way to finance graduate school?  Then the Truman Scholarship could be for you!

The Truman Scholarship is the official federal memorial to our 33rd president, Harry S Truman.  The Foundation is a federal executive branch agency that administers the Truman Scholarship program.  The agency is governed by a board of trustees appointed by the President of the United States and Congress, endowed by a $55 million trust in the U.S. Treasury, and supported by a program staff of six and more than 100 distinguished public servants and former Truman Scholars who participate in the selection process.

Truman Scholars are persons who have been recognized by the Truman Scholarship Foundation as future "change agents." They have the passion, intellect, and leadership potential that in time should enable them to improve the ways that public entities--be they government agencies, nonprofit organizations, public and private primary and secondary schools, or advocacy organizations--serve the public good.

This is not just another monetary scholarship.  It is a SERVICE scholarship.  Therefore, 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.  Scholars who do not meet this service requirement, or who fail to provide timely proof to the Foundation of such employment, will be required to repay funds received along with interest.  The Foundation will have an appeals process for special circumstances.

The Truman Foundation receives between 600 and 700 nominations each year for the 60 to 65 Scholarships available each year.

The primary criteria are the same each year.  Students should be in their junior year at an accredited four-year institution.  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.

Only about 2% of Candidates demonstrate strength in all four bulleted areas.  Most successful Candidates have strengths in two or more areas.

The scholarship is ONLY for juniors; HOWEVER, if you are a freshman or sophomore and interested in applying for the Truman Scholarship your junior year, the smartest thing you can do is start early!

Application

Policy Statement

For further information about the Truman Scholarship or if you have questions please contact Shawntay Simones at ssimones@daltonstate.edu or via phone at 706.272.2595.