Udall Undergraduate Scholarship


ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

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 Native American nations or to the environment. 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
  • Tribal Policy: For Native Americans and Alaska Natives interested in policy issues impacting Indian country
  • 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. Nominees in the categories of tribal public policy OR Native American health care must be Native American or Alaska Native.
  • 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.  For consideration, we must receive the materials below at bufellow@bu.edu by Monday, February 5, 2024. 12 noon EST.

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

  • A completed Udall application form.
  • Responses to the short answer questions listed in the application form (submitted separately as Word doc or PDF)
  • Resume
  • 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. In 800 words or less, tell us how these three characteristics resonate with you today and how you exemplify at least one of these values in your personal and professional life.
  • Three letters of reference: these should speak to your leadership, public service, academic and career interests. If you’re applying in the field of tribal policy or Native American health care it’s very helpful to get a letter from someone who can address your commitment to Indian Country. Students and writers will benefit from Udall’s Information for References. Recommenders should email their signed letters on institutional letterhead directly to bufellow@bu.edu by the above deadline.
  • If you are applying in the fields of tribal public policy or Native American health care, you will need to provide a copy of your tribal enrollment card or other tribal verification (see the Udall FAQs for information about documentation).
  • Transcripts: unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate study institutions are acceptable for the initial campus review.