Max Klapow ’17 Named Truman Scholar

Indian Springs alum Max Klapow ’17 has received a Truman Scholarship, the premier graduate fellowship for students pursuing careers as public service leaders in the U.S.

Klapow, a junior at Washington University, was one of 62 scholars to be selected from a field of 773 applicants. He was nominated by his institution for outstanding leadership, public service, and academic achievement. He is studying psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy with minors in political science and writing. Over the past few years, he has led numerous campus and community initiatives, co-founded a company, and given a TEDx talk.

As a Truman Scholar, Klapow will receive up to $30,000 for his graduate studies in clinical psychology. He will also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career, and graduate school counseling, and special internship opportunities within the federal government.

“The Truman Scholarship emphasizes two things: leadership and a commitment to changing the world through public service,” says Klapow. “I can say confidently that my passion for those things was born and cultivated in my time at Springs. From expanding the mock trial program to the national stage to studying innovative techniques in secondary education, Springs gave me countless opportunities to get out of the classroom and do. Springs felt like drinking from a fire hydrant: talented professors, brilliant students, and a campus that believed in empowering students to dream bigger. 

I remember my first visit as a seventh-grader when I turned to my mom and said: “Wow, they let students walk outside between classes!” Little did I realize at the time how symbolic that would be. Springs was a place where I didn’t have to change myself, or make myself “smaller” to fit in. I could belong. It’s what inspired my work bringing evidence-based tools for resilience, wellbeing, and belonging to incarcerated communities. Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we all deserve an environment that encourages flourishing. Springs did that for me.”

Congratulations to Max Klapow ’17!