Overview

The Udall Foundation honors the legacies of Morris Udall and Stewart Udall and awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.  Native Americans and Alaska Natives studying tribal policy or native health care and undergraduates interested in conservation and environmental issues are encouraged to apply.  Udall Scholars are given the tools necessary to become the next generation of leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields or Native American issues.  Scholars receive up to $7,000 for academic expenses, are invited to attend a five-day orientation in Tucson, AZ, and become part of the Udall Alumni Network.

Eligibility

• U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
• Full-time sophomore or junior (at least 3 semesters completed and 1 full year remaining of undergrad study)
• Have demonstrated a commitment to a career related to one of three fields:
  • The environment – open to all students
  • Tribal public policy – open to Native American and Alaskan Native students
  • Native health care – open to Native American and Alaskan Native students

Application Materials

The following materials must be submitted via Udall's application portal:

• A completed application
• Short essays
• Essay (800 words) on how civility, integrity, and consensus characteristics rsonate with you today and how you exemplify at least one of these values in your personal and professional life 

The following materials must be submitted directly to our office via email (urfm@psu.edu):

• Copy of tribal enrollment card or tribal verification documents if relevant (guidance here)
• Three letters of recommendation that speak to leadership, public service and academic achievements (guidance here)
• Transcripts

Application Procedure

To be considered, you must first be registered in the Udall application system by the office.  To be registered, email the office (urfm@psu.edu) with your intent to apply and the following details:

• Legal name in full
• Permanent residence
• Notification address (only needed if different from permanent residence)
• Best telephone
• Udall Field of Study (Environment, Health Care, or Tribal Public Policy)
• Nationality (U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Permanent Resident)
• Grade level

Office Application Deadline - February 6, 2026 

Given that the University is required to nominate its candidates, there is an office application deadline and evaluation process.  The University can nominate up to four applicants for the environment option and an additional four for the two Native options.

To be considered for University nomination, you must email the office (urfm@psu.edu) a complete application, including letters of recommendation.  Afterward, you will be notified if you’ve been nominated or not.  Nominees will have a chance to revise their materials, if necessary, prior to final submission.

National Application Deadline - TO BE ANNOUNCED

Applications must be submitted online by the office with the accompanying letter of institutional endorsement.