Overview:

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. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, leadership training, and the ability to connect with other students who are committed to making a difference through public service.

Eligibility:

• U.S. citizen or national from the Pacific Islands
• Junior
• GPA of 3.7 or higher
• Plan to attend professional or graduate school to prepare for career as a change agent in government or the nonprofit and advocacy sectors

• Must commit to spending 3 of the first 7 years after graduate or professional school working in public service. 

  Public Service is defined as employment government at any level, uniformed services, public interest organizations, nongovernmental research and/or education organizations, public and private schools, and public-service orientated nonprofit organizations such as those whose primary purposes are to help needy or disadvantaged persons or to protect the environment.

Application Materials: 

The following materials must be submitted via Truman's application portal:

• A completed application (guidance here)
• Policy proposal (500 words; guidance here)

The following materials must be submitted directly to our office via email (urfm@psu.edu):

• Three letters of recommendation that speak to 1) leadership ability/potential, 2) commitment to a public service career, and 3) intellect and prospects for continued academic success (guidance here)
  • Letters can be emailed to the office directly so long as they are on letterhead and have a signature
• Transcripts

Application Procedure:

Priority Office Application Deadline - December 5, 2025 Applicants who submit by the priority deadline will have the benefit of enhanced advising if they receive nomination.

Final Office Deadline- January 20, 2026

The online application portal for the Truman Scholarship generally opens in early September. In order to prepare an application and be considered for University nomination, students must first notify the office of their intent to apply. Once the office has registered a student in the portal, the student will receive an email notifying them that they can begin their application. To be registered, email the office (urfm@psu.edu) the following details:

• Legal name in full
• Field of study
• Nationality (U.S. Citizen, or U.S. national or permanent resident of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands)
• Grade Level

Given that the University is required to nominate its candidates, there is an office application deadline and evaluation process.  The University can nominate up to four applicants who have been enrolled exclusively at University Park and three additional for transfers (from other Penn State campuses or different colleges).

To be considered for University nomination, you must email the office (urfm@psu.edu) a complete application, including letters of recommendation. Afterward, you will be notified if you’ve been nominated or not. Nominees will have a chance to revise their materials, if necessary, prior to final submission.

           National Application Deadline –TBD

Applications must be submitted online by the office with the accompanying letter of institutional endorsement.