TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIPS

Up to 80 Truman Scholarships are awarded each year to college juniors with an outstanding potential for leadership in any sector of government. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to $2,000 for the senior year, and up to $24,000 for graduate or professional school. ($12,000 for the first year of graduate or professional study and an additional $12,000 for the last year, provided that the Scholar enters public service immediately upon completion of the program. The Truman Foundation’s definition of public service includes work for government agencies, public and private schools, many non-profit organizations, and more.) One scholar is chosen from every state and U.S. territory and approximately 30 are chosen at large.

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible, you must be U.S. citizen, resident alien or national. You must also be in the top quarter of your class. Finally, you must have a demonstrated interest in a career in government or related public service at the federal, state, or local level.

SELECTION CRITERIA: The Truman Foundation has identified 4 major selection criteria. They are:

• Extensive record of public and community service
• Commitment to a career in government or elsewhere in public service
• Communication skills and a high probability of becoming a “change agent”
• Strong academic record with likely acceptance by a first-rate graduate school.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Bryn Mawr will select candidates to interview on the basis of the following internal application, due in the Dean's Office by noon on Click Here for Deadline:

• A current, comprehensive resumé, including employment, activities, and honors. Please distinguish between paid employment and volunteer activities. This need not be limited to one page.
• A brief (1 to 2-page) statement of your plans for graduate education and your future career, as well as any academic and extracurricular activities which relate to them.
• An analysis (800 words or less) of a significant public policy issue or problem that is in your intended area of public service. You should define the issue, lay out one or more suggested solutions, identify obstacles, and recommend a specific course of action.

On-campus interview: Candidates with promising application will be invited to interview with the Fellowships Committee. JYA students will be interviewed by phone. On the basis of the application and interview, 1 to 4 nominees will be selected (usually 2).

The online external application due to Dean Mancini on Click Here for Deadline, includes the following:

• A very demanding 5-page application form. This asks you for four separate lists of extracurricular activities: college and high school activities, public service and community activities, government activities, and part-time and full-time jobs and non-government internships. It also asks you for short answers to several questions: for example, “describe one specific example of your leadership” and “describe a recent particularly satisfying public service activity.”
• A 1-page (plus footnotes and references) policy proposal, addressed to the most relevant government leader. This will usually be a refined (and edited – maximum 500 words) version of the policy proposal you submitted in your internal application.
• Three letters of recommendation, one which speaks to your leadership abilities and potential, one to your public service record, and one to your academic achievements.
• Official transcript

AFTER THE APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED: On the basis of this application, the Finalists Selection Committee selects finalists to interview. Finalists are announced on the Truman website at the end of February or beginning of March. Being selected as a finalist is a great honor. Finalists are interviewed in mid-March, in their home state or region. Dean Mancini will arrange for one or more formal mock interviews to help finalists prepare. Winners are announced by March 30.