Congressional Security Scholars

Mission

The Congressional Security Scholars Program is a premier leadership development program for junior-level Hill staffers, intended to build a generation of congressional staff with a broad understanding of current defense, foreign policy and national security issues, as well as deep roots in the philosophical tradition of strong progressive national security thought.

The program also provides participants with the practical skills they need to become successful Congressional staff and play an integral role in a well functioning hill office, so that the leaders we develop move forward in their field. Together, Congressional Security Scholars form a strong community across the House and Senate who, as an alumni network, have access to the range of Truman Project experts, programs, and ongoing activities.

Program Description

Truman Security Scholars take part in twelve one-hour, lunch time sessions on Capitol Hill every Friday over a twelve week period. The FALL 2010 PROGRAM will run from Friday September 17 through Friday December 10. Attendees are required to attend 10 of 12 sessions, and “drop-ins” are not permitted, in order to build a cohesive class.

Classes take place between noon and one. A recognized leader headlines each week’s program. The program, including reading material, is provided at no cost to the participants or their offices.

A majority of the sessions will be held in the Gold Room of the Rayburn building, room 2168. A select number of sessions will be held in Senate space.  All session locations are noted in the Course Schedule. 

To a view the Spring 2010 schedule for the program, please click here.

TO PRINT A COMPLETE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION FORM, click here.

To Apply: Now Accepting Applications for the Fall

Click here to fill out the application. Please note that your Chief of Staff or Legislative Director must sign off on your application.

Participation is capped at 100 participants and is best suited for staff hired within the past 18 months. Most participants are Legislative Assistants, Aides and Correspondents, as well as exceptional Staff Assistants. If you do not fit this criteria, but still have interest, please contact camille@trumanproject.org to see if an exception is warranted.

Certification and Alumni Program

Scholars who complete the program will receive a Truman Scholar certificate from the Truman National Security Project, and will be eligible for our Alumni program. Alumni are invited to regular trainings and briefings held on Capitol Hill on relevant topics that require critical thinking from recognized experts. Security Scholars Alumni are also invited to our Alumni dinners and social events to create a long-term community of shared purpose across the House and Senate.