The Udall Scholarship for Environmental and Native American Policy Students

The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation Scholarship is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the United States for students committed to environmental issues or Native American tribal policy and healthcare.

This scholarship was established by Congress in 1992 to honour the legacies of brothers Morris and Stewart Udall, who dedicated their careers to protecting natural resources and advocating for Native American rights and healthcare.

This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about the Udall Scholarship, from eligibility requirements to application tips, helping you determine if this opportunity aligns with your academic and career goals.

What is the Udall Scholarship?

The Udall Scholarship provides up to $7,000 for eligible sophomores and juniors who demonstrate leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to the environment or Native American nations.

Each year, the Udall Foundation awards approximately 55 scholarships to students across the United States.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The Udall Scholarship is available to students who meet the following criteria:

• U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. permanent residents
• Sophomores or juniors enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges or universities
• Have a college GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Be committed to a career in one of these areas:
  • Environmental issues
  • Tribal public policy
  • Native American healthcare

Scholarship Categories

The Udall Scholarship recognizes students in three distinct categories:

Environment Category

For students pursuing careers focused on environmental issues, including:

• Conservation
• Sustainable development
• Environmental engineering
• Environmental education
• Environmental justice
• Environmental policy

Tribal Public Policy Category

For Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing careers related to:

• Tribal sovereignty
• Tribal governance
• Native American public policy
• Native rights advocacy

Native Health Care Category

For Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing careers in:

• Healthcare for Native communities
• Mental health services
• Medical research benefiting Native populations
• Traditional medicine practices

Application Process

The Udall Scholarship application process requires careful preparation and attention to detail:

Step 1: Nomination by Your Institution

Most applicants must be nominated by their college or university’s Udall faculty representative. Contact your school’s scholarship office to learn about the internal nomination process.

Step 2: Complete the Application

The comprehensive application includes:

• Personal information
• Academic records
• Leadership activities
• Public service experience
• A detailed 800-word essay about Morris or Stewart Udall and how their work relates to your interests
• Three letters of recommendation
• An 11-question application form that explores your commitment to environmental or tribal issues

Step 3: Submit by the Deadline

All materials must be submitted by the institution’s Udall faculty representative by the official deadline.

Key Benefits of the Udall Scholarship

Recipients of the Udall Scholarship receive:

• Up to $7,000 for eligible educational expenses
• A four-day Udall Scholar Orientation in Tucson, Arizona
• Access to the Udall Alumni Network, connecting scholars with professionals in environmental and tribal fields
• Enhanced credentials for graduate school applications and future employment

Tips for a Successful Application

To strengthen your Udall Scholarship application:

• Start early and thoroughly research the legacies of Morris and Stewart Udall
• Clearly articulate your commitment to environmental or tribal issues through concrete examples
• Highlight leadership roles and community service related to your field
• Connect your academic interests to your long-term career goals
• Choose recommenders who can speak specifically to your qualifications
• Edit your essay multiple times for clarity and impact
• Work closely with your campus Udall representative

Application Timeline

• Early Fall: Contact your institution’s Udall faculty representative
• November-January: Internal campus selection process
• March 1, 2026: National deadline for faculty representatives to submit nominations
• Late March: Application review by the Udall Foundation
• Late April: Scholarship recipients announced
• August: Udall Scholar Orientation in Tucson, Arizona

Conclusion

The Udall Scholarship represents an exceptional opportunity for dedicated students pursuing careers related to environmental issues or Native American policy and healthcare.

Beyond the financial support, the scholarship provides valuable networking opportunities and professional development that can shape your future career.

If you’re passionate about environmental stewardship or tribal advocacy, consider applying for this prestigious award.

Frequently Asked Questions