Overview
The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship (Links to an external site.) is an award to college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate excellence in leadership, public service and a commitment to issues related to Native American nations or the environment. Each recipient receives up to $7,000 for their academic expenses.
All Udall Scholars are committed to making a difference through civility and consensus building. Additionally, each applicant chooses a focus from the following three categories:
Environmental Policy (most popular): Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident may apply under this theme, for all undergraduates interested in conservation, environmental stewardship, or environmental policy. You must have demonstrated this commitment to the environment through service in campus or off-campus organizations (not merely through coursework and research), and be working towards a career that will enable you to address environmental issues on a local, national, or global scale.
Native Health Care: ONLY Native American and Alaskan Native students may apply under this theme. You must be interested in improving health care practice and delivery in Indian country, or contributing to health care policy and research, and pursuing educational activities that will advance a career in health care or health research. Your commitment to Indian country should be demonstrated through participation in cultural activities and service to your community.
Tribal Policy: ONLY Native American and Alaskan Native students may apply under this theme. Native students who are planning to undertake careers focused on tribal policy (including conservation, environmental stewardship, or environment policy involving tribal communities) should apply under this theme. Your commitment to Indian country should also be demonstrated through participation in cultural activities and service to your community.
Eligibility
Each Udall applicant should be:
- A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.
- A sophomore or junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree and intending to graduate between December 2022 and August 2024.
- Applicants pursuing Native American Health Care or Tribal Policy must be able to provide documentation confirming that you are a Native American or Alaska Native, meeting one or more of these criteria:
- An enrolled member of a state or federally recognized Indian tribe or band, including any tribe or band terminated since 1940;
- A descendant in first or second degree of an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized Indian tribe or band, who can demonstrate affiliation with the tribal community, according to criteria set by the Udall Foundation;
- Considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian for any purpose;
- An Eskimo, Aleut, or other Alaska Native;
- A permanent U.S. resident who is a member of the First Nations of Canada.
Please see the Udall FAQ (Links to an external site.) for additional details.
Selection Criteria
Future Udall Scholars:
- Are already tackling critical environmental and American Indian issues in their communities and on campus.
- Innovate, build consensus, and are dedicated to making a difference.
- Demonstrate their commitment to Indian country or to the environment through their community and campus activities.
- Are engaged in thoughtful, positive solutions to problems, big and small.
Program Benefits
The Udall Scholarship provides
- Up to $7,000 for eligible academic expenses (tuition, fees, books and supplies, and room and board.)
- Access to the Udall Alumni Network (Links to an external site.): an association of change-makers, working in Indian country and environmental fields, sharing innovative ideas, professional advice, and job and internship opportunities.
- Five days in Tucson, Arizona, at Scholar Orientation (Links to an external site.): extending your professional network, meeting other scholars and alumni, and learning new skills.
