Although Truman was the only twentieth-century president who did not attend college, he was a strong and consistent supporter of higher education. About seventy Truman Scholarships have been awarded every year since the program was established. Students from virtually all accredited colleges and universities are eligible to apply for a Truman Scholarship. By law, each state has at least one winner. This geographic diversity matches the high level of racial, gender, socioeconomic, and political diversity that characterizes Truman winners.
Successful applicants demonstrate a number of admirable qualities.
Indeed, to be eligible to win a Truman Scholarship, applicants must indicate their desire to enter, and remain in, the public or non-profit sector. Careers as corporate lawyers, financial consultants, or business executives do not meet this criterion. Instead, Truman Scholars hold positions in local, state, and federal agencies. They work for international organizations such as NATO and the United Nations. They labor countless hours as teachers, advocates, environmentalists, community organizers, scientists, and humanitarians.