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Office of National Scholarship Advisement
University of Mississippi

 

Harry S. Truman Scholarship

Open to:

Juniors 

 

Application Deadlines

  • UM Deadline: November
  • National Deadline: February
  • Endorsement: UM Nomination is Required. Learn more about ONSA and the nomination process.

 

Description:

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, awards merit-based scholarships to college students planning careers 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.

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 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.

The Foundation seeks future “change agents” who aspire to leadership positions in federal, state, or local governments or in the not-for-profit and education sectors where they can influence public policies and change public programs. Primary criteria for selecting Truman Scholars include:

  • extensive records of public and community service
  • outstanding leadership potential and communication skills
  • commitment to careers in government or elsewhere in the public sector

All Truman Scholars must work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of a Foundation-funded graduate degree program.

 

Application Procedure:

  • A complete online application (including all essay responses, policy proposal, and transcripts); are required by the campus deadline. 
  • An internal Truman panel will assess applications and provide feedback. 
  • UM will institutionally endorse four applicants and 1 transfer student. 
  • Three letters of recommendation are required. 

 

Requirements: 

Each nominee for the Truman Scholarship must be:

  • A full-time junior-level student at UM.
  • Nominated by ONSA 
  • Academically in the upper quarter of their class
  • A United States citizen or a United States national. Resident aliens (green card holders) are not eligible.

 

Videos and Workshops:

Truman scholar profiles

 

Website:

https://www.truman.gov/ 

 

 

Want to Apply?

 

There are many things you can do to become competitive for such awards. It all starts with becoming engaged with your classes, your professors, and your community–starting your freshman year!

The key to a strong application is…START EARLY! Follow these steps to schedule your appointment!

STEP 1: Look through the Handbook or Website to identify potential awards.

  • Each award description in the handbook or website includes eligibility, a description, application procedures, and links to videos/webinars.
  • Some awards identify “institutional endorsement required” or “institutional endorsement recommended”. In order to be endorsed by ONSA and the university of Mississippi you must have a complete application by the campus deadline.

STEP 2: Complete the Fellowship Interest Form (required)

STEP 3: Make an appointment with a Fellowship Advisor (strongly recommended)

STEP 4: If you apply for a national fellowship, you will need to complete the Nomination Permission Form and Waiver (required)