Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The Harry S. Truman Foundation awards $30,000 scholarships to college juniors who intend to pursue graduate degrees in fields related to public service (broadly defined) with the ultimate goal of making a positive difference in the world. Truman Scholars are invited to participate in Truman Scholars Leadership Week; a Summer Institute in Washington, DC; and the Truman Fellows Program. Students who receive Truman Scholarships come from all academic backgrounds and must fulfill a service requirement: after completing their graduate degree (which need not be pursued immediately after graduating from Princeton), they must work in public service for three of the next seven years of their career.

Dr. Steve Gump, [email protected] , 609-258-1998

• U.S. citizen (or U.S. national) or in the process of seeking U.S. citizenship (with citizenship to be received by the date the scholarship will be awarded)
• Junior-level undergraduate academic standing

Competitive candidates for the Truman Scholarship generally fit the following profile:

• Plan to become “change agents” who will significantly improve the way in which government agencies, educational institutions, or NGOs serve the public
• Envision a public service–related graduate degree as helping them reach their goals
• Have proven their commitment to public service by achieving a sustained and distinguished record of community service, involvement in student government and extracurricular activities, or political engagement
• Are accomplished, proven, and effective leaders
• Have demonstrated vision, creativity, or initiative by improving organizations or systems
• Are interested in policy or solutions at a systemic level
• Have interest in politics or political means to an end
• Are energetic, articulate, and well versed in a variety of topics
• Have a strong academic record (in any academic field)

Students who wish to be considered for nomination should submit the Princeton Truman Preliminary Application (Link is external) , on GPS, by 1:00 pm on the campus deadline. The application will open after the fall information session. Up to a dozen applicants will be selected for a campus interview, and, from that group, up to four applicants from Princeton will be identified as nominees and will advance to the national competition. Dr. Gump will work one-on-one with the nominees in December and January to help them prepare for final submission by the national deadline.

Before embarking on the preliminary application, please review the “Are You a Potential Truman Scholar?” page at the Truman Scholarship website (Link is external) (Link opens in new window) .