About Truman Scholarship

Founded In memory of President Harry S. Truman, this scholarship seeks to reward students who pursue graduate study and careers in public service, policy, or government.

Approximately sixty Truman scholarships are awarded annually to students who wish to attain graduate (masters or Ph.D.) programs that pertain to government, public health, public service, environmental protection, or economics. The scholarship is open only to students in their junior year of undergraduate study and provides up to $30,000 for graduate study. Awardees must agree to work three of the seven years following the completion of the graduate program.

Eligibility:

Be an undergraduate junior in any major;
Be a U.S. citizen;
Have a highly competitive GPA;
Plan to pursue a graduate program leading to a career in government or public service.
Plan to pursue a career in Public Service
Obtain institutional nomination.
Submit UNM Preliminary Application by 11:59 pm, 10/1. - The Truman Scholarship application requires an institutional endorsement. All applicants of the Truman Scholarship have to go through the institutional selection process first. The NISF selection committee will review your application and select four nominees from the University of New Mexico.

Truman Applicants

The Truman Scholarship application requires an institutional endorsement. All applicants of the Truman Scholarship have to go through the institutional selection process first. The NISF selection committee will review your application and select four nominees from the University of New Mexico.

Application Process:

Attend the NISF information sessions held in September.
Submit the UNM Preliminary Application by 11:59 pm, October 1.
Finalists Interview - Late October
UNM Nominees will be announced early November.
Scholarship deadlines - early February.

Helpful Websites:

Truman Nominees Resources:

Truman Application/Supporting Documents

Online application form
Non-UNM College/university transcript(s) - Submit to CAELD office
Three letters of recommendation
- Leadership Potential and Abilities
  Confirm and elaborate on the leadership example the candidate described in Item 7 on the Application Address the candidate’s personal characteristics (confidence, persuasiveness, diligence, conviction, vitality, poise, and so forth) which contribute to the candidate’s leadership abilities.
- Commitment to a Career in Public Service
  Discuss the candidate’s suitability with particular emphasis on commitment to a career in public service Describe a significant contribution made by the candidate through one or more public service, community or government‐related activities Address the candidate’s values, interests, goals, and/or ambitions which represent commitment to a career in government or elsewhere in the public service.
- Intellect and Prospects for Continuing Academic Success
  Discuss the candidate’s suitability with particular emphasis on academic scholarship, intellectual capabilities, and prospects for success in graduate school Discuss the candidate’s intelligence, academic performance, analytical abilities, and other characteristics which you think contribute to success in graduate school.

Application Process Deadlines

Scholarship Time Schedule
October 1	UNM Preliminary Application Due
Late October	UNM Finalists Announced
Late October	UNM Finalists Interview
Early November	UNM Nominees Announced
Early December	First Draft Due & Confirmation of Recommenders
Late January	All supporting documents (rec letters & transcripts)
Early February	Truman Application Due
Late February	Truman Finalist Announced
Mid April	Scholars Announced