This year, Christian Ramos, a senior in the School of Business and Public Administration, was selected as one of 62 new Truman Scholars out of 705 candidates nominated by 275 colleges and universities. 

A legacy of President Harry S. Truman, 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 highly competitive Truman Scholarship is for aspiring public service leaders in the United States.

The University of Guam, which was established when Harry Truman was president, has a long history of Truman Scholars dating back to 1978.  

If you can put a check beside each of the following statements, you can be a strong candidate for a Truman Scholarship. If more than two do not apply, the Truman Scholarship is probably not right for you.

•  I am a full-time student at the University of Guam
• At the time I apply (December 2023), 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.
• 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

Serious candidates must email their intent to apply to the UOG Truman Representative, Dr. Gena Rojas at rojasg@triton.uog.edu.

The deadline to submit your interest in applying is December 7, 2023.

Information Meeting

An informational meeting will be held on November 30, 2023, 2 p.m. in the School of Business and Public Administration, Room 149. 

Past Truman Scholars from UOG

• Christian Ramos – 2023
• 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 

For more information, visit www.truman.gov.