Truman Scholarship

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college Juniors who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the Federal government.

Characteristics of Potential Truman Scholar  

• Track record of outstanding service, leadership, academic potential.
• Ability to meaningfully discuss a wide range of domestic and global events.
• Extremely competitive (typically 1 Truman Scholar per state).
• Ambitious and committed to becoming a change agent.
• A junior at time of application

Timeline

Summer/Fall

• Thoroughly read Truman website.
• Notify Lesha Greene at leg78@pitt.edu with your intent to apply ASAP. You must be entered into the Truman Online application system before you can begin your application.
• Schedule a series of appointments over the summer with an Office of National Scholarships advisor on Handshake to discuss your application, essay drafts, and letters of recommendation well in advance of the campus deadline.
• Begin research for policy proposal. Find faculty mentor with expertise in area of your policy topic. Meet with faculty mentor for initial discussion; make additional appointment for later in November to go over your policy draft.
• Seek appropriate letter writers who can speak to leadership, service, and intellect
  • Discuss your choice of letter writers with your Office of National Scholarships advisor as soon as possible.
  • Get a commitment from 3 recommendation writers who can write about you in one of three capacities; visit Truman Scholars website for instructions and letter of recommendation forms.
  • Prepare recommendation packets by following instructions on the scholarships page.
  • Give 3 recommendation writers solid draft of your application before they complete their letters.
  • Request that your recommenders share a draft of their letter of recommendation with the Office of National Scholarships advisor with whom you have been working by December.

After September

• Campus interview of candidates; selection of 4 nominees (and up to 3 additional nominations for transfer students).
• Campus selection committee feedback is given to nominees. Nominees continue to work on applications until final campus deadline.
• Submit final application.

December 1: First Campus Deadline

Complete application due, including 3 letters of recommendation, policy proposal, and all transcripts.

Early February

Final application is due.

Late February

Finalist posting.

March–early April

Regional review panels.

Mid-April

Scholar posting.

Late May

Truman Scholars Leadership Week.