Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation

Founded in honor of President Harry S. Truman, the Truman Scholarship is designed to identify students with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to making a difference in the world. To that end, the scholarship provides financial support for graduate school in the field of public service. It also provides leadership training and fellowship with other scholarship recipients at summer institutes and conferences on public law.

Programs Funded

The Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 to support graduate study for careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in the public service. Some of the degree programs include: J.D.; Master of Public Health; Master of Public Administration; Master of Public Policy; Master of Education; or Master of Public Affairs.

Please note that Truman Scholarship recipients must fulfill a service requirement, with three of the seven years following graduation dedicated to work in the public service sector.

Eligibility

Full-time Junior-level academic standing, with a demonstrated record of leadership. Students who have already completed their bachelor’s degree are not eligible. Students must be U.S. citizens (or a U.S. national from a Pacific island) or expect to receive citizenship by the date the scholarship is awarded.

Selection Criteria

  • Extensive experience in student government and/or extracurricular activities
  • Off-campus community-service; internship with government at the local, state, or national level
  • Internship with government board or commission, advocacy or interest groups, non-partisan political activities, or military/ROTC
  • Political activities and campaigns
  • Organizations or activities related to your career interests
  • A personal statement that details your achievements, motivation, and potential as a change agent

Application Process

Pacific University can nominate up to four students for this scholarship. To be considered, students must submit their application to Pacific’s faculty representative (see Pacific’s Truman Scholar coach listed below) to inquire about applying. Students may not apply independently. Finalists are interviewed by a panel of prominent public servants, educators, and former Truman Scholars.

Pacific Scholarship Coach

Professor Jim Moore-Politics
503-352-2288 | moorej@pacificu.edu