Fellowship FYI
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.
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
Who:
The scholarship funds outstanding leaders who have strong records of public or community service and who plan careers in governmental, non-profit, or educational organizations. As long as your GPA is about a 3.5, a demonstrated record of significant leadership and public service are likely to weigh as heavily as scholastic excellence. Do not underestimate the importance of academic and intellectual achievement, however.
Eligibility Limitations:
U.S. citizens who are college juniors of high academic standing and who plan careers in public service. U.S. nationals from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are also eligible, as are those from Puerto Rico. At a minimum, you must be in the upper quarter of your junior class, except for residents of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa or the Northern Marianas who must be in their senior class. Brandeis University is limited to 4 nominations per year but may not necessarily endorse the maximum number of candidates each year.
Where:
Graduate Study in the United States. MPA/MPP, JD, MEd, MIA, MPH and master's or doctorate degrees in fields in which most graduates go into public service preferred.
Duration:
Scholars receive ~$2,000 in their senior year and ~$30,000 for graduate school studies.
Application Requirements:
For the campus deadline, you should hand in five total copies of your Truman application (all essays & your transcript), as well as two letters of recommendation. Candidates will be selected for the campus interview, and then our committee can nominate up to 4 Brandeis nominees for the national competition. You also need to be registered by the Director of Fellowships on the Truman site in order to work on the application.
Campus Deadline (for the pre-application):
November 19, 2009
Campus Interviews:
Mid-November
Final Deadline (for our Official Nominees):
February 2, 2010
Notification:
February 2010
Who applies nationwide?
Approximately 700 students are nominated each year, and about 220 receive interviews. 75-80 Truman Scholars are ultimately chosen.
Typical Essay Questions:
The Truman application is one of the most extensive documents of its kind. Fortunately, the Foundation also actively supports Truman candidates with guidance and suggestions for completing the personal statement and policy proposal. Go to http://www.truman.gov/advice/ to get a good sense of the application and what it entails.
Contact:
http://www.truman.gov/index.htm
Recent Brandeis University Winners:
Congratulations to Brooke Rosenbauer '08 who is our most recent Truman winner! Daniel Millenson '08 was a Truman finalist, as was Josh Rosenthal '07. Other Truman winners include Toby Harris '05, Jonathan Sclarsic '03, Lisa Cloutier '02, Wendi Adelson '01, and Stephen Rabin '00.