The Truman Scholarship is meant to celebrate and prepare the nation's next generation of public service leaders. Candidates must secure the nomination of their undergraduate institution. Once nominated, they must complete a lengthy application and policy proposal as well as provide three letters of recommendation. The top candidates are invited to interview with our Regional Review Panels in locations across the country. Scholars are selected based on leadership ability, commitment to a career in public service and likelihood of success in graduate school. Candidates must be US Citizens, US National residents of American Samoa, or expecting their citizenship by the date of the award. They must be currently enrolled at a US-based accredited institution and in their penultimate year of school (for candidates graduating in four years or more) or in their final year of school (for candidates graduating in three years or fewer). They must be planning to attend graduate school in pursuit of a career in public service. The Foundation encourages time between undergraduate and graduate school, so candidates need not commit to going immediately. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation for more information.