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 the 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 through public service. The Foundation awards scholarships of up to $30,000 toward a public service-related graduate degree.
This award requires an institutional nomination which means that you must go through MSU’s internal process and compete for the nomination. This process is coordinated by the Distinguished Student Awards Office (DSAO). The deadline to submit materials is December 1. You are encouraged to work with the DSA Office on your application.
How to Apply
- Review the Truman Scholarship website to make sure you are eligible: https://www.truman.gov/
- View the DSAO Truman Scholarship Application Tips Powerpoint
- Complete the DSAO Intent to Apply Form to get on our list of applicants. We will give you access to the MSU Truman D2L site.
- Email the DSA Office at studentawards@msu.edu to express your interest, and attach a resume using the DSAO Resume Template.
Work with the DSA Office on your application materials and who to ask for recommendation letters.
Application Components (send all to studentawards@msu.edu)
- Truman Reference Letter Handout
- Truman Leadership Cover Letter
- Truman Service Cover Letter
- Truman Academic Letter Cover
- Truman Internal Application Form
- Policy proposal
- Three recommendations (have a conversation with DSA Office first)
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended after high school
- Resume using the DSAO Resume Template
