Truman Selection Committee
Thank you for your time and effort to serve in the NISF selection committee. For questions and concerns, please contact Jesse Wieland at awieland@unm.edu.
Missions of the Truman Scholarship Program
- 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
- Provide them with financial support for graduate study, leadership training, and fellowship with other students who are committed to making a difference through public service.
The Characteristics the Truman Foundation seeks in the Scholar
The Foundation seeks future "change agents" who aspire to leadership positions in federal, state, or local governments or in the not-for-profit and education sectors where they can influence public policies and change public programs. Criteria for selecting Truman Scholars are mainly:
- extensive records of public and community service,
- commitment to careers in government or elsewhere in the public sector,
- desire to influence public policies or education programs,
- capability of analyzing a public issue in the intended career area, and
- outstanding leadership potential and communication skills.
- extensive involvement in two or more of the following sets of activities:
- Student government and/or campus-based extracurricular activities;
- Community service-related activities;
- Government internships or Government employment;
- Public or nonprofit commissions or boards, advocacy or interest groups, nonpartisan political activities;
- Partisan political activities and campaigns
The Foundation gives priority to candidates seeking one or more of the following degrees or equivalents: MPA/MPP, JD, MEd, MIA, MPH, and master's or doctorate degrees in fields in which most graduates go into public service. The Foundation does not give priority to candidates seeking MBAs or MDs unless they can demonstrate a strong public policy or public health interest.
