Mission

The Congressional Security Scholars Program is a premier leadership development program for Hill staffers, intended to build a generation of congressional staff with a broad understanding of current defense, foreign policy and national security issues.

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 nine one-hour, lunch time sessions on Capitol Hill every Friday. The SPRING 2012 PROGRAM will run from Friday, February 24 through Friday, May 11. Attendees are expected to attend each session, and “drop-ins” are not permitted, in order to build a cohesive class. Applications are due by Friday, February 10.

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.

All session locations are noted in the Course Schedule. 

To a view the Spring 2012 schedule for the program, please click here.

To Apply: Now Accepting Applications for the Spring

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 and committee staff, but we also encourage communications staff and exceptional Staff Assistants to apply. If you do not fit this criteria, but still have interest, please contact MattR@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. Attendance at 8 of 9 sessions is required for program completion. 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.