Kehani Mendiola, UOG's 19th Truman Scholar, receives a book from Truman representative
Dr. John Rivera in April 2021.
The Truman Scholarship is a very competitive national scholarship for aspiring public
service leaders in the United States, awarding 55 to 65 scholarships out of more than
600 applications every year. The scholarship grants recipients up to $30,000 toward
their graduate studies, priority admission at premier institutions, and significant
opportunities for federal internships and professional development.
The University of Guam, which was established when Harry Truman was president, has
a long history of Truman Scholars dating back to 1978. Could you be the next one?
If you can put a check beside each of the following statements, you should be a strong
candidate for a Truman Scholarship. If more than two do not apply, the Truman Scholarship
is probably not right for you.
Basic and legal requirements (must be met)
- I am a full-time student at the University of Guam
- At the time I apply (February 2022), I will be a full-time student pursuing a bachelor’s
degree in my junior year. Note: Students who are already attending graduate school are not eligible.
- I am a U.S. citizen (or a U.S. national) or I expect to receive my citizenship by the date the scholarship
will be awarded.
Career and graduate study interests
- I hope to be a “change agent,” in time, improving the ways that government agencies,
nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions serve the public.
- There are conditions in our society or the environment that trouble me.
- I want to work in government, education, the nonprofit sector, or the public interest/advocacy
sector to improve these conditions.
- I am comfortable committing to work in public service for three of the first seven
years after I complete a Foundation-funded graduate degree.
- I would like to get a master’s degree, a doctorate, or a professional degree, such
as a law degree or a Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Master
of Social Work, Master of Education, Master of Public Policy, or Master of International
Affairs.
Community service and academic record
- I have participated extensively in two or more of the following sets of activities:
- Student government and/or campus-based extracurricular activities;
- Community service–related activities that were not organized by my school or by my
fraternity/sorority;
- Government internships, commissions or boards, advocacy or interest groups, nonpartisan
political activities, or military/ROTC;
- Partisan political activities and campaigns.
- I have been involved with organizations or activities related to my career interests.
- I have demonstrated some of my leadership potential.
- I have sufficiently strong grades and coursework to gain admittance to a first-rate
graduate institution.
- I am academically in the top 25% of my major.
- I read regularly a good national newspaper and a thoughtful periodical.
- I have had one or more courses relating to my career interests.
General
- I would appreciate external affirmation of my values and goals.
- I would like to become associated with Truman Scholar “change agents.”
- I am capable of analyzing a public issue in my intended career area and presenting
my findings in a one-page memo to a government official who could take action.
- I am willing to prepare an outstanding application and policy proposal under the supervision
of my Truman Faculty Representative.
- I believe I could hold my own in a challenging interview conducted by a panel of prominent
public servants, educators, and former Truman Scholars.
- I could use $30,000 to continue my education in graduate school.
- I am interested in opportunities like the Truman Scholar Leadership Week, Summer Institute,
Truman Albright Fellows, Democracy Fellows, Governance Fellows, and others.
How to apply
All serious candidates must email their intent to apply to the UOG Truman Representative, Dr. John J. Rivera
at jrivera@triton.uog.edu. The deadline to submit your interest in applying is Dec. 8, 2021.
Intent to apply submitted by a third party, someone other than the applicant, will
void intent.
More information may be found at www.truman.gov.
Past Truman Scholars from UOG:
- Kehani Mendiola - 2021
- Athena McNinch – 2017
- Rebecca Casimbon – 2015
- Jose Salas Cruz, Jr. – 2009
- Elvira Manglona – 2007
- Sahara June Defensor – 2006
- JakinDee M. Aguon-Perez – 2005
- Donna L. Gomez – 2001
- Mary Grace Mendoza-Lapid – 2000
- Willian B. Cruz-Jones – 2004
- Gena A. Rojas – 2002
- Jesse T. San Nicolas – 1990
- Duane M. George – 1989
- Demian M. Fitzgerald – 1988
- Leilana V. Lujan – 1986
- John Jerry Ignacio – 1985
- Marie T. Deloso – 1983
- Maria Nancy V. Guhit – 1979
- Joaquin V. Leon Guerrero – 1978