Introduction to the Truman Scholarship: Information Sessions & Nomination
September 13, 2016
This award has an internal application deadline of November 10, 2016.
Want to make a difference through a career in public service or government?
The Truman Scholarship is a highly prestigious national award that recognizes the nation’s top undergraduates committed to careers in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 to pursue a degree in public service-related fields. Scholars also gain opportunities for summer internships, receive career and professional development, and join a powerful network of Truman Scholar alumni.
Many outstanding careers in NGOs, federal agencies, and public service have started with a Truman Scholarship. Will yours? For more information: http://www.truman.gov.
On this page, you will find the most up-to-date information for Drexel students who are applying or thinking about applying for the Truman Scholarship, including: (link to sections below)
As always, do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. The events below are open to Drexel students only.
Who should apply?
The Truman program is looking for talented students with the passion, leadership, and preparation to make a difference through a career in government or public service.
To be eligible, you must be:
- Junior (planning to graduate in 2018)
- US Citizen or National
Candidates are evaluated on the basis of leadership ability, potential for influencing public policies, community service and extracurricular activities, suitability of the applicant's proposed program of study for a career in public service, academic performance, and potential to perform well in a premier graduate school program.
Truman Scholars typically have:
- GPA above 3.4
- An extensive record of public service.
- Outstanding leadership and communication skills.
- Vision for and commitment to working for the public good in your career.
Applying for the Truman Scholarship
To apply for this award, you must be nominated by Drexel University. We hold an open campus competition for nomination beginning in November.
Applying for nomination involves a few steps:
Step 1: Get Ready
Attend an info session and/or email us at fellowships@drexel.edu for a link to the internal application.
Students are encouraged to contact us in advance of the deadline to discuss the program and receive feedback on your essays.
Step 2. Apply for Nomination
You must submit a complete internal application including unofficial transcripts and a letter of recommendation to be considered for Drexel University nomination (required in order to move forward in the competition). Sample applications and the Application for Nomination can be accessed on the BB/Learn site (sign-up here).
Required Internal Application Deadline: November 10 at 12 PM (noon).
Truman Nominees will be announced by November 17, 2016 at 12 PM (noon).
Step 3: Nominee Application Review
Campus review deadline (for nominees): December 9 (noon).
Nominated students will submit a full application, including a policy proposal and three letters of recommendation by this date. Sample application materials are available from the Sample Application Forms section of the Truman Foundation website.
Nominated students will submit a revised, complete application, including letters of recommendation by this date. Nominees will meet with the nominating committee once in early January to discuss their applications and receive additional feedback.
Step 4. National Application Deadline and Interviews
Truman’s national deadline is February 7, 2017.
Nominated students will submit their final application packet online, with updated transcripts including fall grades, by this date.
Finalists will be posted on the Truman site in February. Finalist interviews will be conducted in early March through late April. Please see Regional Review Panels for more information. We will coordinate mock interviews for any students called for a finalist interview.
Recipients and Alternates will be announced in mid-April.
Info Sessions
This year we are offering 3 information sessions about public service as part of our Public Service Awards Information Week. Each session will cover several public affairs-related awards, including Truman. Please register in advance (even last minute) to let us know you are coming to an info session.
Public Service Awards and Opportunities Information Sessions:
September 26, 12:30-2pm
Disque 109
Register in advance
September 27, 1-2pm
Steinbright Career and Development Center, Suite 250
Register in advance
September 29, 5:30-7pm
Dornsife Center, Ryan Hall, Room S210
Register in advance
Truman Information Session:
This session will help juniors planning to graduate in 2018 with an overview of the Truman Scholarship program, application processes and tips to become a competitive candidate.
October 12, 5:30-6:30pm
Disque 109
Register in advance
Contacts and Information
For official information on the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, please visit www.truman.gov
For any other questions or to discuss whether you might be a good candidate for this award, email Ben Rayder, Assistant Director, Drexel Fellowships Office.