Udall Undergraduate Scholarship

About the scholarship

Udall Foundation logo

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships of up to $7,000 to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to the environment OR Native American nations. The 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. Scholarships are offered in three categories:

  • Environment: For all undergraduates interested in conservation and environmental issues, or
  • Tribal Policy: For Native Americans and Alaska Natives interested in policy issues impacting Indian country, or
  • Native Health Care: For Native Americans and Alaska Natives pursuing health-related careers

Eligibility

  • Be committed to a career related to the environment, OR
  • Committed to a career in tribal-related public policy OR health care. (Note: Only Native Americans and Alaska Natives are eligible to apply in public policy or health care fields. Students pursuing environmentally related careers do not need to be Native American/Alaskan.)
  • Be a matriculated sophomore or junior-level student
  • Meet the following requirements:
    • Be pursuing full-time study during the current and following academic years.
    • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.

Selection criteria

Scholars are selected on the basis of:

  • Demonstrated commitment to environmental or natural resource issues; OR Demonstrated commitment to tribal public policy; OR Demonstrated commitment to Native American health care. Commitment is demonstrated through substantial contributions to and participation in one or more of the following: campus activities, research, tribal involvement, community or public service.
  • Course of study and proposed career likely to lead to position where nominee can make significant contributions to the shaping of either environmental, or tribal public policy, or Native American health care issues, whether through scientific advances, public or political service, or community action.
  • Leadership, character, desire to make a difference, general well-roundedness.

Application procedures

The Udall Scholarships require institutional nomination from BU.  Udall applications are closed for the 2024-2025 school year.

Review the Udall Advice and Guidance as you compose and organize your materials.

  • A completed Udall application, which includes short responses and an 800 word personal statement, along with the following:
    • Three letters of reference: these should speak to your leadership, public service, academic and career interests. Note: Recommendation letter requests can be sent through our Infoready application portal after saving your application as a DRAFT. Students and writers will benefit from Udall’s Information for References.
    • Transcripts: unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate study institutions are acceptable for the initial campus review.
    • Resume/CV