Truman Scholarship
Please consult the program website to confirm program details, including applicable deadlines.
Program Website
Program Purpose
Funded in honor of the 33rd President, the Truman Scholarship awards merit scholarships to college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in public service.
Program Description and Benefits
Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school in the US or abroad, as well as funded participation in the Truman Scholarship Week. The mandatory Scholarship Week introduces Scholars to the Foundation's services and the many public service pathways. Scholars participate in seminars and workshops with distinguished Truman alumni and other public service leaders, a policy analysis project, community service events, and a graduate school and career fair with representatives from the schools and programs most attended by Truman Scholars.
Truman Scholars are also invited to participate in the Summer Institute and Truman-Albright Fellows Program.
About the Summer Institute: The summer following graduation from college, Scholars have the opportunity to participate in a 10-week Summer Institute in Washington, DC. The Foundation arranges internships with government agencies and nonprofit organizations, as well as seminars, meetings with Washington policymakers and Truman alumni, and provides community-building opportunities among Scholars.
About the Truman-Albright Fellows Program: After the Summer Institute, 24 Scholars are selected to stay on in Washington, DC for a full year in the Fellows Program. Fellows are placed in public service jobs, usually with the federal government, while participating in a graduate level public policy course, meetings with Washington policy experts, and a community service program of their own design.
Supported Fields
The "public service-related degrees" supported by the Foundation encompass many fields of study, including agriculture, biology, engineering, environmental management, physical and social sciences, and technology policy, as well as traditional fields such as economics, education, government, history, international relations, law, nonprofit management, political science, public administration, public health, and public policy.
Applicant Profile
Successful applicants will be outstanding leaders with extensive public and community service, strong academic records and communication skills, and a commitment to becoming a "change agent" in their chosen field. Scholars may defer enrollment in a graduate program for up to 4 years.
Application Process
Applications for the Truman involve several short essays, as well as a public policy proposal. National finalists are interviewed by the Truman Selection Committee.
The University may nominate up to 4 students who matriculated at San Francisco State as freshmen, and 3 students who have transferred from community college.
Obligations
As a condition of receiving Truman funds, Scholars are required to work in public service for 3 of the 7 years that follow completion of a funded graduate program.
Eligibility
College juniors in the top quarter of the class.
Citizenship
U.S. citizens or nationals.
Deadline
The national deadline, February 5, 2013, does not directly apply to students, who must apply for nomination through the University by the campus deadline.
Campus Deadline
Students seeking nomination to this program must submit completed applications to S.F. State's Fellowship Advisor, ADM 211, by Noon on November 19, 2012.
How To Apply
Meet the Fellows
