Truman Scholarship Information Session (9/24)

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships ($30,000) for graduate study to persons who demonstrate outstanding potential for and who plan to pursue a career in public service. Approximately 55 awards are made nationally each year, with one award given per state and certain territories. In 2014, 24 awardees were students at public universities.

The Truman Scholarship is a prestigious award for which juniors with a record of public service and demonstrated interest in government and politics compete. The Foundation defines public service as employment in government at any level, uniformed services, public interest organizations, nongovernmental research and/or education organizations, public and private schools, and public-service orientated nonprofit organizations such as those whose primary purposes are to help needy or disadvantaged persons or to protect the environment. Most Truman Scholars seek law degrees or master’s and doctoral degrees in public administration, public policy, public health, international relations, government, economics, social services, education, urban planning, conservation and environmental protection.  However, all majors are eligible. For example, some Scholars have pursued medical, physical science or even business degrees – but these Scholars were able to clearly demonstrate how these degrees would further their careers in public service.

In an effort to increase UMBC’s applicant pool, Tara Yglesias, Deputy Executive Director of the Foundation, will speak with students and faculty on Wednesday, September 24, at 12 noon in room 107 of the Physics Building. 

Please bring this opportunity to the attention of those students who might be eligible to compete this year and of those who might be interested in the future.  If they cannot make the presentation on September 24, they should contact UMBC’s faculty representative, Art Johnson, at ajohnson@umbc.edu or 5-2195. Students should have a strong GPA of at least 3.7.  To apply, students must be nominated by their institution and complete an application, including a policy brief. Dr. Johnson and others will work with each nominee throughout the application process.

The UMBC deadline for expressing interest in applying is October 20 but students are encouraged to speak with Dr. Johnson before then. UMBC applicants must complete their applications no later than January 28, 2015.

Those faculty who are interested in learning more about this competition and UMBC’s application process are encouraged to contact Dr. Johnson and/or attend the presentation on September 24.