www.truman.gov

The mission of the Truman Scholarship Foundation 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 into students pursuing graduate degrees in public service fields. Students must be college juniors at the time of selection.

All candidates should be aware that the Truman Scholarship has a newly instituted service requirement.Scholars selected from 2005 on 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.

SU Contact: Prof. Bill Coplin; wdcoplin@syr.edu; 443-3709

Award: Scholars are eligible to receive up to $15,000 for the first year of graduate study. They are eligible to receive up to $15,000 for the final year of graduate study. The award may be used only for tuition, fees, books, and room and board or other specifically approved expenses. Payments from the Foundation may be received to supplement, but not to duplicate, benefits from the educational institution or from other foundations, institutions, or organizations.

Apply directly or nominated by SU: Nominated by SU.

Eligibility Notes: Each nominee must be:

  • a full-time junior-level student at a four-year institution pursuing a bachelor's degree during the application year.
  • committed to a career in public service as defined above,
  • in the upper quarter of his or her class, and
  • a United States citizen or a United States national from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Resident aliens (green card holders) are not eligible.

Application Deadline: Sophomore year.