Truman Scholars Program

What is the Tikvah Fund?

The Tikvah Fund is a think tank and educational institution focused on the foundational ideas of Jewish civilization, the great challenges facing the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and the political, moral, and economic traditions of Western civilization and American democracy. Tikvah runs a wide range of initiatives in the United States, Israel, and around the world, including educational programs and fellowships, publications and websites, conferences, and policy research.

Our main interest is challenging exceptional people—from middle school to high school, from gap year to college, from graduate students to full-time professionals—to become Jewish leaders and Jewish citizens. We seek to expose them to the most important ideas—in Jewish thought, Zionist history, political philosophy, economics, and strategy—and to inculcate a sense of responsibility for Jewish, Western, and American civilization. We also offer extensive programming and content for the alumni of our various programs, and we encourage our participants to think about their time with us as the gateway to a larger Tikvah community.

What is the Truman Scholars Program?

Launched in 2021 by the Tikvah Fund, the Truman Scholars Program is an educational initiative and leadership program geared for exceptional 7th and 8th grade students in Jewish day schools that is centered on the theme of America and Israel as two exceptional and covenantal nations.

Truman Scholars will study online with Tikvah’s master educators to explore the Hebraic influence on the American experiment, through the careful study of great speeches, stories, court decisions, and excerpted works of political philosophy. Truman Scholars will also explore the founding of modern Israel, traced from the biblical and rabbinic sources that sustained Zionist longing in exile, to the modern statesmen, poets, soldiers, and religious leaders who gave birth—and voice—to modern Israel.

More information about the Truman Scholars Program curriculum and schedule can be found here.

In which grade to students begin the program?

The program is available to students who are currently enrolled in seventh grade at a partner Jewish middle school. The program requires a two-year commitment, concluding in the spring of eighth grade.

How much does the program cost?

7th Grade: $450 per year; 8th Grade: $450 per year. Financial assistance is available.

Do students need to be nominated again for eighth grade?

No. Acceptance to the Truman Scholars Program is for seventh and eighth grade.

Who are the faculty of the Truman Scholars Program?

The Truman Scholars Program is hallmarked by a talented faculty of master teachers and guest speakers. The full list of previous Truman faculty can be found here.

Who can apply to the Truman Scholars Program?

Participation in the Truman Scholars Program is by invitation-only to leading Jewish middle schools. Partner schools have the discretion—and responsibility—to identify a specific number of their exceptional students as candidates for the Truman Scholars Program. If you would like to contact Tikvah to learn more about this program, you can do so here.

What is the timeline for school selection and student enrollment?

Partner schools will nominate their students through December 4, 2023. Once nominated, students will interview with Truman staff over Zoom to discuss their interest in the program. A student’s nomination by their school does not guarantee their admission to the program; Tikvah will make all admission decisions, which will be communicated in early February 2024. Orientation will take place in late February 2024.

When does the program begin and when do seminars take place?

The Truman Scholars Program is a two-year program. Students begin participation in February of their 7th grade year, and the program culminates in May of students’ 8th grade year.

Phases I and IV represent the core Truman courses (The Jewish Experience in America in grade 7 and The Founding of Modern Israel in grade 8). Students will select electives offered through Tikvah’s Online Academy during phases II and III.

Where will seminars be held?

All seminar sessions will be held on Zoom.

What is the time commitment to participate in the program?

During each of the four semesters, students should expect to dedicate approximately 2.5 hours per week to the program: 1:15 to read each seminar’s texts, and 1:15 for actual seminar. Only infrequently (1-2 times/year) are there short writing assignments. Additionally, there are periodic guest speaker sessions (3-4 per academic year) that students are expected to join.

My child attends summer camp. What options are available for their summer semester?

Scholars who will be unavailable during the summer will be offered alternative arrangements that fit with their schedules, including independent reading and writing an essay.

Is there a textbook to purchase for my Truman classes?

Yes, there is a course reader for to purchase for each of the two years.

• 7th grade – Land of Liberty and Hope: The Jewish Experience in America: 9798870968339
• 8th grade – The Founding of Modern Israel: Leaders Who Built the Jewish State: 9798872517566

Are there further educational opportunities for Truman Scholars once they begin high school?

Yes! Scholars who graduate the two-year Truman Scholars Program will be offered preferential admission to our new Menachem Begin Scholars Program. The same will apply for our flagship summer program, the Tikvah Scholars Program.

What is the cost to participate in the program?

$450 annually plus around $30 per year for a textbook. Scholarships available.

Additional Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Dr. Doran “Dodie” Katz at dkatz@tikvahfund.org.