Nationally Competitive Scholarships

Udall Scholarship

Purpose of the Award: The Udall Scholarship serves two purposes: to support Native Americans and Alaska Natives in their undergraduate study toward in fields related to health care and tribal policy; and to support American juniors and seniors in fields of study related to the environment.

Nature of the Award: Approximately 75 Udall Scholars are appointed annually and receive up to $5,000 to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board. The Scholarship is tenable for one year, although Scholars selected during the sophomore year may reapply during the junior year. A broad range of disciplines are eligible fields of study for the Udall Scholarship. Potential applicants should consult the Udall website to identify fields of study.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be matriculated sophomores or juniors pursuing degrees at accredited institutions of higher education at the time of application. In addition, applicants must carry at least a "B" average, and they must be U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens, or U.S. nationals. Applicants in the areas of tribal policy and health care must be Native Americans or Alaska Natives, and must be enrolled members of a recognized tribe.

Selection Criteria: Udall Scholars are selected on the basis of an appropriate field of study, academic achievement, career objectives, and potential to make a significant contribution in the selected field.

Application Procedures: Prospective applicants are required to secure the endorsement of their respective universities. University of Arizona applicants must meet both the UA deadline and the Udall deadline (see important dates). Applicants must submit application materials, including the Udall application form, college transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a 600-word essay to Dr. Karna Walter, Udall Faculty Representative for the University of Arizona. Nominated applicants have several weeks to strengthen their applications before they must be submitted to the Udall Scholarship Review Committee.

Nomination Procedures: The University of Arizona may nominate a limited number of Udall applicants. To that end, a faculty review board at the UA will review applications, interview candidates, and determine which applicants to nominate for the Udall Scholarship. The Udall Scholarship Review Committee will examine all applications and recommend the most outstanding nominees for consideration by the Board of Trustees of the Udall Foundation. The Board will name approximately 75 Scholars.

Important Dates:

• February 2: Udall applications due to Dr. Karna Walter
• Early March (TBA): application materials must be submitted to the Udall Scholarship Review Committee.

Contact Information: Potential applicants should consult the Udall website to obtain specific details related to the Udall Scholarship. UA students considering applying for the Udall should contact Dr. Karna Walter, Assistant Director of International Studies and Scholarships, at 621-6546 or karna@u.arizona.edu Dr. Walter is available to discuss application procedures and essay ideas.