Truman Scholarship

Scholarship Overview

For graduate or professional study, leadership training, and fellowship with other students who are committed to making a difference through public service, the Truman Scholarship seeks juniors with exceptional leadership potential committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in the public service.

  • Truman website
  • Campus Deadline: December 2, 2009
  • National Deadline: February 2, 2010
  • Information Meeting: October 29, 2009; 1-2pm at Meyer Forum
  • Award:

    • tuition, fees, books, room and board, distributed as follows:up to $15,000 for the Scholar's first year of graduate study and an additional $15,000 for the Scholar’s last year of graduate study in the US or abroad, including professional school, subject to annual review

    • A summer internship in a U.S. government department/program of your choice
    • A leadership program
     

Selection Criteria

Those who meet the following criteria have a stronger chance of being considered.


  • US citizen
  • Full-time Juniors expecting to receive their bachelor's degree between Dec 2011 and Aug 2012
  • Minimum GPA of 3.6
  • Commitment to a career in public service
  • Record of leadership, public and community service
  • Able to attend a Leadership Program and Awards Ceremony in Missouri, May 2009 (Truman Foundation will fund)
  • Complete online application
    •  

How to Apply

The following steps must be completed for an application to be considered for campus nomination:

  • Register with UAR to participate in the campus competition.  A username and password will be given for the Truman website
  • Consult with Truman campus advisors regarding the content and writing of your application
  • Using your username, complete the online application at the Truman site (A sample application has been provided to help prepare for the online submission).
  • Using the online site, request three letters of recommendation, one each on the following topics:
    • academic accomplishment
    • public service
    • leadership experience and potential future impact

    Letters can be sent to vpue-fellowships@stanford.edu

  • No later than 5pm, Dec. 2, the following materials should be submitted to Undergraduate Advising and Research:
    • an official transcript
    • a printed copy of your online application
    • letters of recommendation

Note: Late applications will NOT be accepted without prior approval

Selection Process

The Truman Scholarship is by nomination through Stanford only.  A committee of UAR staff and Stanford faculty will review applications and select 6-8 finalists for interviews during December and early January.  Four campus nominees will be selected in January and work with advisors in preparation for the Regional Finals (Feb).

The national committee will select and announce finalists on February 16, 2010. 

Additional Resources

It is strongly encouraged to consult with advisors who have experience with this competition in the office of Undergraduate Advising and Research. To schedule an appointment with someone in the UAR regarding fellowships or graduate school, please visit here to make an appointment.

 

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