Udall Scholarship

The Udall Foundation annually awards $7,500 scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for demonstrated leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment. Awardees become members of the Udall Alumni Network, an association of changemakers working in Indian country or in environmental fields who share innovative ideas, professional advice, and job and internship opportunities. Udall Scholars come from all majors and fields of study.

Dr. Eric Myers, EricMyers@princeton.edu , 609-258-5759

• U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. permanent residents who intend to declare U.S. citizenship
• Sophomore- or junior-level undergraduate academic standing
• Applicants in the fields of tribal policy or Native health care must be enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe or band (following criteria set by the Udall Foundation)

Competitive candidates for the Udall Scholarship come from all majors and generally fit the following profile:

• Are working toward positive solutions to environmental challenges or to issues impacting Indian country
• Have demonstrated, through public service, commitment to the environment or to issues related to Native American nations
• Inspire and motivate others, through leadership, to take action
• Are committed to making a difference, with integrity, through civility and consensus building

Applicants will select one of the three Udall categories for their applications:

• Tribal public policy (for Native Americans and Alaska Natives working on an array of policy issues in Indian country)
• Native American health care (for Native Americans and Alaska Natives pursuing health-related careers)
• Environment (for undergraduates interested in conservation and environmental issues)

Students who wish to be considered for nomination should:

We do not ask for letters of recommendation by the campus deadline. Instead, you will work with Dr. Myers to select 3 recommenders if you are selected for endorsement. 

After the campus deadline, a committee will select up to eight nominees (up to four applicants in the environment category and up to four applicants in the tribal public policy and health care categories). The applicants will work individually with Dr. Myers between late January and the national deadline in early March to prepare final submissions to the Udall Foundation.

Before you embark on your application, be sure to review the Udall Scholarship website, including their very helpful “Advice andGuidance Link is external ” page. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Myers with questions about your fit for the scholarship or your approach to the application for nomination.