Udall Scholarship

Location: United States Experience Type: Nomination Based Fellowship Awards

Udall Scholarships of $7,000 are awarded to second- and third-year college students for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.

Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizen second- and third-year students interested in careers related to the environment or to Native American health care or tribal public.

Campus deadline: Tuesday February 11, 2025 from 1 to 5 pm CT.

National deadline: ~Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Scholarship URL:  https://udall.gov/OurPrograms/OurPrograms.aspx

Udall Scholarship: Campus Application Checklist, Spring 2024 [Grinnell login required] (Spring 2025 Checklist-TBA)

Udall At A Glance [Grinnell login required]

Sample Application, Provided by the Foundation [Grinnell login required]

Sample Rating Form, Provided by the Foundation [Grinnell login required]

Ann’s Advice – Udall Information for Students, 2023-2024 [Grinnell login required]

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About the Award

In 2024, the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation expects to award 50 scholarships of up to $7,000 and 50 honorable mentions on the basis of merit to sophomore and junior level college students in any of three categories:

  • students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment;
  • Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to public policy; or
  • Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to Native health care.

The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. The Foundation also seeks future Native American and Alaska Native leaders in public and community health care, tribal government, and public policy affecting Native American communities, including land and resource management, economic development, and education.

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Eligibility

In order to apply for the Udall Scholarship, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be a matriculated sophomore or junior-level student at a two-year or four-year institution of higher education, pursuing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree during the 2023-2024 academic year. “Sophomore” is defined as a student who intends at least two more years of full-time undergraduate study beginning in fall 2024. “Junior” is defined as a student who intends at least one more year of full-time undergraduate study beginning in fall 2024. (Students may apply for funding in both their sophomore and junior years; third-time applicants, however, will not be eligible.) Please note that if you are a third-year student who is planning on graduating a semester early, you are not eligible to apply.
  • Be committed to a career related to the environment, OR committed to a career in tribal public policy OR Native American health care (only Native Americans and Alaska Natives are eligible to apply in tribal public policy or Native American health care). Native American students studying tribal public policy or native health do not need to demonstrate commitment to the environment. Likewise, students pursuing environmentally related careers do not need to be Native American, nor do they need to demonstrate commitment to tribal public policy or native health.
  • Have a college grade-point average of at lease a “B” (3.0) or the equivalent.
  • Be intending to pursue full-time study during the 2024-2025 academic year.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.

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How to Apply

Second- and third-year students who are interested in applying for one of Grinnell’s eight nominations for the Udall Scholarship (up to four in the environment category and up to four in Native American category) can complete the application process per the instructions on the Campus Application Checklist (see above).

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Ethical Guidelines

 All applicants are expected to adhere to these ethical guidelines.

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Grinnell College Udall Scholars and Honorable Mentions

  • Zachary Spindler-Krage ’25 (scholar, 2024)
  • Zachary Spindler-Krage ’25 (honorable mention, 2023)
  • Marianna Cota ’22 (honorable mention, 2021)​​​​​​​
  • Rebecca P. Wong ’17 (honorable mention, 2015)
  • Alexander H. Reich ’11 (honorable mention, 2010 & 2009)
  • Hart D. Ford-Hodges ’10 (scholar, 2009)
  • Emily B. Stiever ’09 (scholar, 2008)
  • Eli Zigas ’06 (honorable mention, 2005; scholar, 2004)
  • Joseph R. Mowers ’02 (honorable mention, 2001)