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Udall Scholarship

Honoring the legacy of U.S. Representative Morris Udall and Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall, the Udall Foundation awards up to $7,000 to 50 college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to American Indian nations or to the environment. Udall Scholars attend a 5-day orientation in Tucson, Arizona and gain access to the Udall Alumni Network, an association of environmental and tribal leaders sharing innovative ideas, professional advice, and job and internship opportunities.  Undergraduates may apply in one of three areas: environment, tribal policy, and native health care.

In order to apply, you must contact NCA by the Intent to Apply Deadline.

Deadlines

Application Opens: October 13, 2023
Campus Deadline: February 1, 2024
National Deadline: March 6, 2024 @ 11:59PM MST

In 2022, the Udall Foundation anticipates awarding 55 scholarships of up to $7,000 each.

The Udall scholarship honors the legacies of Morris Udall and Stewart Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.

The Udall Scholarship provides

  • Access to the Udall Alumni Network: 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: extending your professional network, meeting other scholars and alumni, and learning new skills.
  • Up to $7,000 for eligible academic expenses.

Undergraduates may apply in one of three areas: environment, tribal policy, and native health care.

Environment

This area is for sophomores and juniors interested in conservation, environmental stewardship, or environmental policy, with a demonstrated commitment to the environment through participation in campus activities or service to your community. Ideal candidates are working towards a career that will enable them to address environmental issues on a local, national, or global scale.

Tribal Policy

This area is for Native American or Alaska Native college students currently in their sophomore or junior year who have demonstrated their commitment to Indian country through participation in cultural activities and service to their community. Ideal candidates are working towards a career that will enable them to make a difference for their tribe or for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Native Health Care

This area is for Native American or Alaska Native college students currently in their sophomore or junior year who are interested in improving health care practice and delivery in Indian country or contributing to health care policy and research. Ideal candidates have demonstrated their commitment to Indian country through participation in cultural activities and service to their community and are working towards a career that will enable them to impact health care for your tribe or for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year students (need 1+ year(s) left of school)
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are members of First Nations of Canada, Applicants for the tribal policy or healthcare scholarships must be of native heritage.
  • Commitment to a career related to the environment, tribal public policy, or American Indian healthcare.

Selection Criteria

  • Students shows that they are working towards positive solutions to environmental challenges or to issues impacting Indian country
  • Student demonstrates their commitment to one of these areas through public service and inspires and motivates others to take action.
  • Students shows commitment to making a difference through civility and consensus building

Please refer to the Udall website for a detailed list of the selection criteria.

  • Background information
  • Short answer essays
  • Essay: The public service careers of Congressman Morris K. Udall and Secretary of Interior Stewart L. Udall were guided by the core values of civility, integrity, and consensus. Discuss how these three characteristics resonate with you today and how you exemplify at least one of these values in your personal and professional life.
  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • In the fall, attend an NCA Learning Series session on the Udall Scholarship.
  • Schedule an advising appointment with Dr. Jenny Hyest through My Bearcat Network. In advance of that appointment, please:
  • Confirm your intent to apply with NCA.
  • Submit your application by the Campus Deadline: February 2024
  • Those selected for campus interviews will meet with the committee in early February.
  • Endorsed candidates submit revised application by National Deadline: March 2024
  • Information on this page is intended to supplement, not supplant, your own careful review of the official Udall website. If you find any discrepancy between the two, the Udall website takes precedence.
  • UC’s Student Code of Conduct applies to this application process.