For Advisors
Information for Advisors for the Truman Scholarship program. Includes sections on the general duties of advisors as well as more in-depth resources to assist with campus selection.
Message from the Executive Secretary
A message from our Executive Secretary, Dr. Terry Babcock Lumish, to all registered Advisors.
Dear colleague,
Welcome to the 2026 Truman Scholarship competition! You may now register applicants from your dashboard page, with all applications due no later than Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
We continue to look for promising Americans from every state, plus DC and the US territories, making commitments to careers in public service, broadly defined.
Consistent with our recent years’ messaging and annual cohorts, there is no one-size-fits-all Truman Scholar. We see stellar applicants working in traditional political and policy roles – the campaign volunteer, the campus reformer, the military or nonprofit leader, the community activist – but we also welcome applicants pursuing meaningful change via science, technology, the arts, and other innovative avenues.
In addition to planning a career in public service, candidates should be college juniors, US citizens, and have a demonstrated record of leadership and service.
We will kick off the 2026 application cycle with an Open House on Wednesday, September 24 at @ 2:00 pm ET. This session will include a number of recent Scholars discussing their application experiences as well as an overview of our program and selection criteria. The Open House is suitable for potential and current nominees as well as advisors. It would also be a good introduction for institutions just starting their Truman process. Feel free to distribute the Zoom link broadly:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82794740954?pwd=zXJmLzlJPBZ6tuFISG7zmaQfyYgozQ.1
We will also have the following regular webinars:
- advisors only on Wednesday, October 22 @ 2:00 pm ET;
- candidates (advisors welcome) on Wednesday, December 12 @ 2:00 pm ET;
- candidates (advisors welcome) on Wednesday, December 3 @ 2:00 pm ET; and
- office hours (open to all) on Wednesday, January 21 @ 2:00 pm ET.
Information about the webinars will be available on your dashboard page. We will also post recordings there the day after a webinar takes place. The “Apply” section of the Truman website offers a great deal of information, including sample responses and an FAQ.
Should you have questions about our program, the online application, or the likely competitiveness of individual candidates, you are welcome to contact Deputy Executive Secretary Tara Yglesias.
Thank you for identifying and supporting our nation's future leaders. We appreciate you.
Yours in service,
Dr. Terry Babcock-Lumish (she/her)
Executive Secretary
How to Become an Advisor
Basic responsibilities for Advisors as well as instructions on how to become registered with the Foundation
National Association of Fellowships Advisors
An organization that provides professional development and information on competitive scholarships like the Truman
Application Instructions
Step-by-step instructions on how to complete the Advisor section of the Truman application.
Frequently Asked Questions for Advisors
Answers to common questions about recruiting, advising and completing Truman applications.
Bulletin of Information
The Foundation provides a Bulletin of Information to be used for recruiting or to send along as basic information for recommenders and participants in practice interviews.
Ready to work with your student?
Head over to the Advice and Guidance section to find detailed information about what we look for in the application.