Udall Foundation - Undergraduate Scholarship

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Program Purpose: 

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 Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.

The Foundation seeks to foster greater recognition of public lands and resources, to identify critical environmental issues, and to promote the principles and practices of environmental conflict resolution.

Program Description: 

Each year, the Udall Foundation awards approximately 55 scholarships of up to $7,000 each to sophomores and juniors in 3 categories:(A) The Environment -- for undergraduates interested in conservation and environmental issues; (B) Tribal Policy -- for Native Americans and Alaska Natives working on an array of policy issues in Indian country; and (C) Native Health Care -- for Native Americans and Alaska Natives pursuing health-related careers.

Program Benefits: 

The Udall Scholarship provides up to $7,000 for tuition and other educational expenses, plus attendance at a 5-day Udall Scholars Orientation in Tucson, Arizona for all new Scholars. Scholars will receive a travel scholarship for costs associated with travel to and from Tucson for the Scholar Orientation. Lodging and meals during Orientation will be provided by the Udall Foundation.

At the Orientation, Scholars work together on a case study, learn new ways to collaborate, and build community with each other, Udall Alumni, and professionals working on environmental and tribal issues.

Scholars may also attend one of two optional pre-orientation workshops: (A) Introduction to Native Nation-Building; or (B) Introduction to Community-based Research for Tribal and Environmental Health. All Scholars, whether their focus is the environment, tribal public policy, or health care, will gain new skills and perspectives.

Application Process: 

Applicants enrolled at SF State must submit completed applications to the Fellowships Office by the campus deadline. Please note that University nomination is not guaranteed. Committed applicants should seek feedback on application essays and other materials well in advance of the campus deadline, and be prepared to engage in research for and extensive revision of their essays.

Application includes a research essay on the legacy of Congressman Morris K. Udall or Secretary of Interior Stewart L. Udall – as as embodied in a speech, book, policy statement or piece of legislation – and its impact on their field of study, interests, and career goals.

Applicant Profile: 

Successful candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to shaping environmental policy -- or for Native American applicants with interests in tribal public policy, or Native American health care issues, a commitment to shaping approaches to these issues.

This commitment could be in the form of scientific advances, public or political service, or community action. Innovative students in all majors are invited to apply.

Characteristics of a strong candidate include leadership, a desire to make a difference, and general well-roundedness.

Eligibility: 

Sophomores and juniors committed to careers in environmental studies and related fields, and Native American and Alaska Native sophomores and juniors committed to careers in tribal public policy or Native health care.

Obligations: 

Attendance at Orientation, which is usually held in early August, is a condition of the Scholarship.

Citizenship: 

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or nationals.

Program Deadline: 

The national deadline, usually in early-March, does not directly apply to students, who must apply for nomination through the University by the campus deadline.

University Deadline: 

November 1 annually. If this date falls on a weekend, then noon on the following Monday.

More information: 

Meet Our Fellows

How does the Udall Foundation define Native American?

For the purposes of the Scholarship or Internship Program, a Native American or Alaska Native is any individual who is:

• 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.

What kind of documents are required to demonstrate tribal enrollment or descendancy?

• Applicants must submit copies of relevant enrollment forms, cards, and/or descent documentation such as a Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood. Descendants of enrolled tribal members must provide proof of their parent's or grandparent's enrollment and birth certificates that demonstrate the applicant's relationship to the enrolled tribal member.
• Applicants who are members of the First Nations of Canada must submit proof of U.S. permanent residency.

How To Apply: 

This program requires institutional nomination. Students may not apply directly to the Udall Foundation. Instead, applicants must apply through the University by the campus deadline. Please note that University nomination is not guaranteed.

To learn more about the Udall Scholarship program, or to receive feedback on your application materials, contact Dr. Joy Viveros, Udall Campus Representative, and Director of the Fellowships Office, for an appointment well in advance of the November deadline.