UMass Amherst

Harry S Truman Scholarship

Juniors headed for careers in public service are encouraged to apply for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Truman Scholars are "future 'change agents' who have the desire, intellect, and leadership potential that in time will likely enable them to improve the way that public entities-be they government agencies or non-profit organizations-serve the public. Scholars selected as juniors are eligible to receive a total of $30,000 for graduate studies. Applicants must have a strong academic and service record and plan to pursue a graduate program geared toward public service. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, with a GPA of 3.60 or higher.
All Candidates should be aware that the Truman Scholarship has a newly instituted service requirement. Scholars selected from 2005 on are required to work in public service for three of the seven years following completion of a Foundation funded graduate degree program as a condition of receiving Truman funds. Scholars who do not meet this service requirement, or who fail to provide timely proof to the Foundation of such employment, will be required to repay funds received along with interest. The Foundation will have an appeals process for special circumstances.
The Truman Foundation gives priority to master's and doctorate programs in: public administration; public policy analysis; public health; international relations; government; economics; social services delivery; education and human resource development; and conservation and environmental protection. Students who plan to pursue medical or law degrees must make a convincing case that they do so for purposes of public service.
Detailed information can be found at: http://www.truman.gov/.

Eligibility

1. Be in the upper quarter of their 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.

2. Be committed to a career in public service.

3. Receive UMass nomination (see application process below)

Application Process

Applicants must first notify ONSA of intention to apply for Truman scholarship by Nov 19, 2009. ONSA will register eligible applicants to get access to an online Truman application.

Applicants need to secure three strong letters of recommendation and all college transcripts.

Read on a regular basis a good national newspaper (possibly Wall Street Journal, New York Times) and a thoughtful periodical like The Economist; take a course or seminar dealing with current public issues; continue community service activities; continue to exercise roles of leadership, even if on a small-scale basis. Candidates should know something about Harry Truman and his presidency

Selection Proces

Eligible applicants will work closely with ONSA to prepare application and essays and secure three strong letters of recommendations.

ONSA will submit all completed applications to Truman Foundation by February 2, 2010. Finalists will be posted on the Truman web site by late February 2010. ONSA will arrange mock interviews for finalist prior to their interviews.