Harry S. Truman Scholarship

Website: http://www.truman.gov/

Campus deadline: November 19, 2007
Foundation deadline: Early February 2008

**Candidates must be nominated by UW-Madison and may not apply directly. Students interested in applying should contact the Undergraduate Academic Awards Office for more information about the application process. Contact person: Julie Stubbs, 265-2428, awards@provost.wisc.edu

Purpose: The Truman foundation supports graduate study for college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to “making a difference” through public service in government, education, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, or elsewhere in the public service.

Award: The scholarship provides $30,000 for graduate study leading to a career in public service, and offers students assistance in applying to graduate school, in addition to networking and internship opportunities. As a condition of receiving Truman funds, scholars are required to work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of their degree program. Approximately 75 scholarships are awarded each year, one to a candidate in each of the fifty states and 25 “at large” awards.

Eligibility

  • Apply as a junior (1 yr of study left)
  • U.S. citizen or national
  • Top 25% of class (GPA≥ 3.5)
  • Plan to get master’s, PhD, or a professional degree in public service field*
  • Extensive leadership, involvement with service/government/activism
  • Coursework/activities in field related to career interests

* Public service is defined as government at any level, uniformed services, public-interest organizations, nongovernmental research and/or educational organizations, public and private schools, and public service- oriented nonprofit organizations such as those whose primary purposes are to help needy or disadvantaged persons or to protect the environment.

Selection Criteria

  • Extent and quality of community service, activism or government involvement
  • Leadership record
  • Academic performance
  • Writing and analytical skills
  • Suitability of proposed program of study for a career in public service

Application Process: Applicants must submit a UW Truman Application to the UW–Madison selection committee by the campus deadline. The UW committee reviews applications, interviews top applicants, and nominates up to four candidates per year. Nominated candidates receive application feedback from the UW committee and fill out the online Truman application. Nominees’ applications are due in early February. The Truman Foundation announces finalists in late February, and interviews them in early to mid-March. The names of scholars are posted on the Truman web site in late March.

Submit applications to: Truman Selection Committee, c/o Undergraduate Academic Awards Office, 271 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706

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