Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation

The Truman Scholarship supports college students preparing for public-service careers and graduate study. The Harry S. Truman Foundation provides up to $30,000 for a public-service-related graduate or professional degree, along with leadership programming and federal internship or employment opportunities. Students from many majors may apply; the key is connecting future study to a public-service path.

For the 2027 competition, candidates must be junior-level students at a four-year institution during 2026–27, rank in the top quarter of their class, and be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals from American Samoa. The foundation expects one resident Scholar per state and covered jurisdiction, plus possible at-large Scholars. Permanent residents with a green card do not qualify unless they meet the citizenship rule by the required time.

The foundation deadline is February 2, 2027, but the first step is obtaining nomination from the university’s Truman Faculty Representative. Each institution may nominate up to four students and, under specific rules, three additional transfer candidates. Two-year colleges may nominate only former students already enrolled full-time as juniors at an accredited four-year institution. The campus selection process may close much earlier.

The application calls for community-service and leadership records, academic information, recommendations, and a public-policy proposal of up to 500 words, along with a graduate-study plan. Students cannot submit independently without institutional endorsement. Contact the Faculty Representative in the fall, ask for the campus schedule, and discuss how to show impact, learning, and a realistic plan for addressing a public problem.

Who it serves and what it can cover: The Truman Scholarship supports college students preparing for public-service careers and graduate study. The Harry S. Truman Foundation provides up to $30,000 for a public-service-related graduate or professional degree, along with leadership programming and federal internship or employment opportunities. Students from many majors may apply; the key is connecting future study to a public-service path. For the 2027 competition, candidates must be junior-level students at a four-year institution during 2026–27, rank in the top quarter of their class, and be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals from American Samoa. The foundation expects one resident Scholar per state and covered jurisdiction, plus possible at-large Scholars. Permanent residents with a green card do not qualify unless they meet the citizenship rule by the required time.

How to apply or get help: The foundation deadline is February 2, 2027, but the first step is obtaining nomination from the university’s Truman Faculty Representative. Each institution may nominate up to four students and, under specific rules, three additional transfer candidates. Two-year colleges may nominate only former students already enrolled full-time as juniors at an accredited four-year institution. The campus selection process may close much earlier. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information