Harry S. Truman Scholarship 2027: Up to $30,000 for U.S. College Students Pursuing Careers in Public Service
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship 2027 offers up to $30,000 toward graduate education for exceptional American college students committed to public service careers. Administered by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, the program combines financial support with leadership development, mentoring, and professional opportunities.
Overview
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is a national merit-based award established as the federal memorial to President Harry S. Truman. It seeks to identify and support young Americans who show exceptional leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to public-service careers in government, nonprofits, education, public policy, and related fields.
In addition to funding for graduate studies, Truman Scholars join a comprehensive leadership development program. Key elements of the scholarship experience include:
- Up to $30,000 in funding for a public service-related graduate or professional degree.
- Mandatory participation in Truman Scholars Leadership Week at William Jewell College in Missouri.
- An eight-week Summer Institute in Washington, D.C., featuring internships and seminars following college graduation.
- Eligibility for the Truman-Albright Fellows Program for a full year of public-service placement in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility
Candidates must meet specific academic, citizenship, and class ranking criteria to be considered:
- Academic Standing: Must be full-time junior-level students at a four-year institution during the 2026–2027 academic year, expecting to receive a bachelor's degree between December 2027 and August 2028. Two-year college students who will hold junior-level standing at an accredited four-year institution by the deadline are also eligible.
- Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen or a U.S. national from American Samoa (resident aliens and green-card holders are ineligible).
- Class Standing: Must rank in the upper quarter of their class.
- Institutional Nomination: Applicants cannot apply independently and must receive an official nomination from their institution's designated Truman Scholarship Faculty Representative.
How to Apply
The application process starts at the candidate's educational institution rather than directly with the Foundation.
- Identify and contact the Truman Scholarship Faculty Representative at your college or university.
- Participate in your institution's internal selection process, keeping in mind that universities often set internal deadlines well ahead of the national date.
- Once nominated, the Foundation will provide instructions for accessing and completing the online application system.
For more details and official guidance, visit the APPLY HERE page.
Deadline
The complete nomination package must be submitted by February 2, 2027.