Programs offered by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation and Friends
Read more about our programs in our Case for Support by clicking here.
Truman Scholars Leadership Week
All newly selected Truman Scholars are welcomed into the Truman community at Missouri, where they meet one another and learn more about potential paths in public service. Scholars participate in seminars and workshops with distinguished Truman Scholars and other public service leaders, a policy analysis project, a graduate school and career fair, and community service efforts. The week culminates in a special celebration and awards ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.
Summer Institute
Immediately after college graduation, Scholars can participate in a nine-week long Summer Institute in Washington, D.C. The Foundation arranges internships with government agencies and nonprofit organizations, hosts seminars and workshops, meetings with Washington policymakers and established Truman Scholars, and opportunities for community building among public service leaders.
Housing and living stipends are provided to all Scholars so that all Scholars can participate, regardless of financial background.
Truman-Albright Fellowship
After Summer Institute, Scholars may elect to remain in Washington, D.C. for a full year via the Truman-Albright Fellows Program. Scholars are placed in public service jobs – most with the federal government – while participating in a graduate-level public policy discussion seminars and mentoring opportunities. In 2020, Truman-Albright positions included opportunities at the U.S. Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Transportation.
Friends of the Truman Foundation thanks Secretary Madeleine Albright and the MAAK Foundation for their generous support of the Truman-Albright Fellowship.
Democracy Fellows
Inaugurated in 2013, the Democracy Fellows program is for Truman Scholars interested in pursuing electoral politics. Sessions are led by senior Truman Scholars with experience in electoral politics.
Subjects discussed include the motivations for serving, honoring one’s personal values and professional values, working with party leaders, cultivating donors and raising money, navigating election law, building a campaign apparatus, attracting allies and building coalitions, and balancing personal life with public office.
The program is designed so that participants: (1) develop knowledge of the key issues and challenges associated with the electoral process, (2) build community among one another — Truman Scholars actively planning to pursue electoral politics, and (3) become better prepared to succeed in the electoral arena not merely by winning a campaign, but by effecting meaningful change via our democratic process and institutions.
Governance Fellows
Inaugurated in 2014, the Governance Fellows Program is for Truman Scholars interested in working at a senior level in the federal executive branch.
Some of the subjects to be discussed include motivations for serving, honoring one’s personal and professional values, paths to political appointment, the Senior Executive Service, navigating the federal personnel system, moving from campaigns to employment, and shifting roles within or across agencies.
The program is designed so that participants: (1) develop knowledge of the key issues and challenges associated with senior executive service, (2) build community among one another — Truman Scholars interested in working at high levels in the executive branch, and (3) become better prepared to succeed as managers and leaders in the federal executive branch.