Pepperdine SPP Joins Truman Scholarship Program as Graduate School Partner
Following extensive conversations and a signed agreement, the Pepperdine School of Public Policy (SPP) joins a respected group of graduate programs as a Graduate School Partner of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. As a partner, SPP will provide matching scholarship funds with funding from the Foundation to selected Truman Scholars each year.
Formed by an Act of Congress in 1975, the stated mission of the Truman Scholarship Foundation is to, “award scholarships to persons who demonstrate outstanding potential for and who plan to pursue a career in public service.” Each year hundreds of college juniors apply for the 55-60 available scholarships intended to support enrollment in a graduate public policy program. Truman Scholars demonstrate a passion for public service, serving in government at all levels (including elected office) and nonprofit organizations.
As the Foundation notes, “Today, Trumans work in the West Wing, sit on the US Supreme Court, and serve in federal and state legislatures. They are transforming nonprofits, delivering crucial services, and organizing for change in local communities. And Truman Scholars are leaders in academia, research, and health care. They can be found in every branch of the Armed Services. And many make a difference far beyond the borders of the United States.”
Joining a group of two dozen distinguished graduate programs, School of Public Policy dean, Pete Peterson, noted, “As a program dedicated to preparing the next generation of public leaders, we’re both honored and excited to join the Truman Scholars’ program - an organization that performs such important and unique roles in promoting careers in public service, recruiting students, and helping to fund their enrollment in graduate programs.” He concluded, “We look forward to welcoming Trumans to Malibu for years to come.”
“I am grateful Dean Pete Peterson and his colleagues share our mission to meaningfully invest in leaders seeking to serve,” said Terry Babcock-Lumish, executive secretary of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. “The Pepperdine Policy Partners Program demonstrates the university's commitment to innovative problem-solvers tackling society's toughest challenges.”