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2024-25 University of Iowa Truman Scholarship Campus Deadline
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UIowa Campus Deadline: 11.13.24  National deadline for nominees: 2.6.25

Audience: Juniors (or students in their third year of college enrollment with senior standing credit-wise)

Areas of Study: Any field, with commitment to career in public service

Award Criteria: Demonstrated leadership, service, academic achievement

Award Benefit: Up to $30,000 for graduate study, professional development experiences, mentorship, and grad school discounts at partnership institutions. 

Open to international students: No

Institutional Endorsement required: Yes. Applicants must apply through the Office of Scholar Development.

The mission of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation is to 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; and to 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 Truman Foundation defines public service as future employment in: 

  • government at any level, 
  • uniformed services, 
  • public-interest organizations, 
  • nongovernmental research and/or educational organizations, 
  • public and private schools, and 
  • public service-oriented nonprofit organizations.

Below is a collection of resources that will help you consider the mission and expectations of the Truman Foundation and evaluate whether it is a good fit for you as an individual.  I look forward to questions and encourage students to come talk with me before ruling themselves out. 

  • Does the mission of the opportunity align with your values? In recruiting and supporting Truman candidates, the mission of the Truman Foundation and the organization's vision for what being a "public servant" should mean is influential.  Because of this influence, we want to make sure that all our prospective candidates are familiar with mission of the award.
  • Are you a strong candidate for the Truman Scholarship? This checklist can help you begin a conversation with yourself that we hope you will continue with the DSD, a faculty mentor, or a departmental advisor who is familiar with the fellowship. Students often define qualifying experiences differently than funding organizations, so we see this tool as a conversation starter instead of an assessment used to discourage students from exploring their connection with the Truman Foundation's mission.
  • Aren't sure where to get started when it comes to your campus application essays? It is expected that prospective applicants will work directly with the Director of Scholar Development prior to Iowa's campus deadline.  Beyond her professional experience with the award, the director can help students work through a variety of exercises that generate useful content and momentum for application development.

Talking about the Truman - 2024-25 Info Sessions 

30 Minutes on the Who, What, When, and Why of Applying for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship

These virtual info sessions are great way to quickly learn more about this national fellowship for experienced campus leaders and advocates who intend to pursue careers in public service.  Third-Year students are eligible to apply to represent the University of Iowa at the national level. Campus nomination deadline: November 13, 2024

HawkID authentication is required to join all OSD info sessions.  

  • 2024-25 Truman Info Sessions TBA