Truman Scholarship

Eligibility 

• U.S. Citizens, US National residents of American Samoa, or expecting their citizenship by the date of the award;
• Currently enrolled at a US-based accredited institution;
• In their penultimate year of school (for candidates graduating in four years or more) or in their final year of school (for candidates graduating in three years or fewer);
• Nominated by either their current institution of study or their former institution of study for transfer or community college applicants; and,
• Planning to attend graduate school in pursuit of a career in public service. The Foundation encourages time between undergraduate and graduate school, so candidates need not commit to going immediately.

Truman Scholarship selection criteria include:

• Extensive record of public and community service
• Commitment to a career in government or elsewhere in the public sector
• Desire to influence public policies or education programs
• Outstanding leadership potential and communication skills
• Academic record that will enable acceptance to first-rate graduate program

Application Materials

• A completed application on the Truman website, including:
  • personal information;
  • activities, awards, and publications;
  • essays related to public service, leadership, plans for graduate study, and public service career aspirations; and
  • policy proposal
• Three letters of recommendation emailed to fellowships@osu.edu. Letters should speak to:
  • leadership abilities and potential;
  • commitment to a career in public service; and
  • intellect and prospects for continuing academic success.
  • Letters should be on letterhead, with signature, and in PDF format, and the letter writer should indicate in their email and in their letter which area they speak to.
• Transcripts

Campus Application Deadline – November 14, 2024

Campus Application Process

Because the university is required to nominate candidates for this opportunity, there is an internal application process. For support on your application, reach out to fellowships@osu.edu at any time while the applications are open.

Please submit all of the materials listed above by 5 pm on the campus deadline. After a review of applications, we will contact all applicants to announce the campus nominees. From that point, Undergraduate Fellowship Office staff will work with nominees to revise materials in advance of the national deadline.

National Application Deadline – February 2025

All application materials must be submitted to fellowships@osu.edu in advance of the national deadline. Undergraduate Fellowship Office staff will communicate about deadlines with nominees.