Duke Junior Wins Truman Scholarship

Ari Cook is a leader in promoting inclusive care for foster children

Ari Cook headshot

Ariona (Ari) Cook was selected as a 2026 Truman Scholar representing the state of Kansas. 

A public policy major pursuing a certificate in child policy research, Cook is a dedicated leader both on and off campus. From Marysville, Kansas, Cook serves as vice president of the Duke QuestBridge chapter and vice president of Community Engagement for Duke LIFE. She also serves on the Associate Committee of the Children's Advocacy Centers of Kansas. Cook also founded the Rainbow Foster Home Initiative, developing nonjudgmental educational resources that equip families to better support their LGBTQ+ foster children. The initiative, now embraced by foster care agencies, has expanded to 95 counties across two states. Upon graduation, Cook plans to pursue a master of social work and devote her career to strengthening foster care services, advancing child advocacy, and championing policy innovation in the federal child welfare space.

“I am delighted that Ari Cook has been selected as a Truman Scholar,” said Duke President Vincent E. Price. “This well-deserved honor reflects her exceptional academic achievement, deep commitment to public service, and dedication to advancing child welfare. I look forward to the meaningful impact Ari will continue to make in the years ahead.”

A total of 55 college students were selected for the 2026 Truman Scholarship, a competitive graduate scholarship for aspiring public servants. The incoming Truman Scholars were selected from 781 candidates nominated by 305 colleges and universities. Truman Scholars demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence.  

“While I struggle to find the right words to describe the gratitude I feel being named a Truman Scholar, what I can say is that this is not just my win. It’s a win for all youth who have left their homes to break the cycles of domestic violence and addiction that have prevailed in their family line for generations. For queer kids in a mostly rural state who are taught to be ashamed of and hide their identities,” Cook said. “I aspire to continue fighting for a better future for everyone, including our most vulnerable youth and trans community, in the Sunflower State.”

Established by Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and a national monument to public service, Duke students have received 54 Truman scholarships since the first awards were presented in 1977.

A complete list of this year’s 2026 Truman Scholars can be found at https://www.truman.gov/. 

To receive support in applying for opportunities, such as the Truman Scholarship, Duke students and recent alumni should contact the Nationally Competitive Scholarships advisors in the Office of University Scholars and Fellows: https://ousf.duke.edu/scholarships-beyond-duke/contact-ncs/.