Udall Scholarship

Campus Deadline: 

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Who Should Apply?: 

Sophomores and juniors

What It's For: 

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to students working towards positive solutions to environmental challenges and to issues impacting Native nations – specifically in health care and tribal policy. In addition to funding for academic expenses, the Udall Scholarship also provides access to the Udall Alumni Network, an association of change-makers, working in Native nations and environmental fields, sharing innovative ideas, professional advice, and job and internship opportunities. Udall Scholars must attend Scholar Orientation in Tucson, Arizona held in the summer following notification of the award. 

Fields of Study: 

Any: for students committed to a career related to environmental science

Native American health care

Native American Tribal Public Policy

Scholarship Website: 

Udall Scholarship

The Udall Scholarship honors Morris K. Udall, an Arizona Congressman known for authoring legislation to protect wilderness areas and for his commitment to the Native American population. The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation annually awards approximately 50 scholarships of up to $5,000 each to sophomore and junior students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, economics, and other related fields; or Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy or Native American health care.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Full-time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at a university during the application year
  • U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
  • Only Native Americans and Alaska Natives are eligible to apply in tribal public policy or Native American health care; however, students applying in environment do not need to be Native American or Alaska Native to apply

Candidate Profile:

  • Commitment to a clear career path, demonstrated by academic achievement and extracurricular activities
  • Widely read among the speeches, legislation, and policy statements of Congressman Morris K. Udall or Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall
  • Excellent critical analysis of your chosen speech or piece of legislation in your essay
  • Demonstrated desire for problem-solving and consensus-building
  • Demonstrated leadership potential, including the ability to form a vision, make it a reality, and inspire others

Additionally, for applicants in tribal public policy or Native American health care:

  • Explanation of how you will use your education to benefit your tribe or Native Americans in general
  • Demonstrated interest and involvement in tribal community (e.g., participation in cultural events, volunteering with organizations that benefit Native communities)
  • Support of a tribal leader or other professional who can attest to your involvement with your tribe or other Native American organization in a letter of recommendation

Application Components:

  • Online application
  • Transcript
  • Udall Essay of no more than 800 words on a speech, legislative act, book, or public policy statement by either Morris K. Udall or Stewart L. Udall and its impact on your interests and goals
  • Three letters of recommendation

Application Procedure

All applicants MUST be nominated by their college or university. Detailed campus application information is provided directly to applicants once they declare their intention to apply.