Udall Scholarship
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 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. (See our FAQs for scholarship award benefits and conditions.)
GVSU Campus Deadline: January 15
Who Should Apply
- Are you working towards positive solutions to environmental challenges or to issues impacting Native American health policies and processes?
- Have you demonstrated your commitment to one of these areas through public service?
- Do you inspire and motivate others to take action?
- Are you committed to making a difference through civility and consensus building?
- If you answered “yes” to these questions, the Udall Scholarship may be right for you.
- Visit www.udall.gov/ to explore categories that best fit your interests and goals.
Application Process
Only your Udall faculty representative can give you access to the application: as soon as you decide to apply in the fall semester, contact the Fellowships representative by email. She will 'nominate' you in the Udall system, which automatically triggers an email to you with login information and access to the online application system. Grand Valley State University nominates students for the Udall Scholarship on a rolling basis - so the sooner you contact us, the sooner you can access the application system and begin the process. The internal GVSU Deadline for your completed application (essays and transcripts) is January 15. Grand Valley may *approve* up to eight Udall candidates each year (four for the Environmental track and four for the Tribal Health Policy track): this review and selection occurs after the internal GVSU deadline for completed applications of the start of Winter Semester. All completed applications are reviewed by a small faculty committee. Approved students then have additional time before the external Udall deadline to improve their application essays in light of faculty feedback.
Application deadline: Early March!
Your Udall application will consist of:
- An 11-question application;
- An 800-word essay on a speech, legislative act, book, or public policy statement by either Morris K. Udall or Stewart L. Udall and its impact on your interests and goals;
- Transcripts for all college coursework; and
- Three letters of recommendation that speak to your leadership, public service, and academic achievements.
Additional documentation is required for applicants in tribal public policy and health care, and for U.S. permanent residents.
Helpful Application Links
Fellowship Interest Form
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