Udall Scholarships

Summary

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.

Each scholar receives up to $7,000 for eligible academic expenses. In addition, the scholarship provides access to the Udall Alumni Network, an association of environmental and tribal leaders and public servants sharing innovative ideas, professional advice, and job and internship opportunities. Udall scholars also travel to Tucson, Arizona for Scholar Orientation, a 5-day event where scholars extend their professional network, meet other scholars and alumni, and learn new skills.

In selecting scholars, the Udall Foundation seeks the following in prospective scholars:

• A commitment to work towards positive solutions to pressing environmental challenges or issues impacting Indigenous communities.
• A demonstration of that commitment through positions of leadership, undertaking community service, and/or community-engaged research
• A clear track record of course work or research connected to the Udall program you are intend to apply for
• Strong academic performance, especially in courses related to your chosen area

Campus Nomination Process

 

Applicants must have the following materials submitted in the Udall application portal by the campus deadline of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 1:

• Completed responses to the 11-question application form
• An 800-word essay related to the Udall Foundation’s core values

In addition, the following materials must be uploaded to W&M's Udall application Box folder by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 1:

• A copy of your current unofficial transcript
• Three letters of recommendation that speak to your leadership, public service, and academic achievements
  • Note: It is the responsibility of applicants to inform their letter writers that they will need to upload their letters to W&M's Udall Box folder

Deadlines and Timeline:

• Mid-October through December: Review the Udall Scholarship's website to learn more about the award and schedule a fellowship advising appointment to discuss your interest in applying
• Sunday, February 1 by 11:59 p.m. EST: Campus Application Deadline. By this date you must have all application materials submitted via the Udall portal or uploaded to W&M's Udall Box folder.
• Early February through Late February: Applications are reviewed by the Udall campus committee.
• Late February through early March: Students whose applications have been nominated will have time to edit their materials before submitting them in time to meet the Udall national deadline of March 4th by 11:59 p.m. MST.

Nominations: William & Mary can nominate a maximum of eight applications. Four applicants can be nominated to the Native Healthcare or Tribal Public Policy categories, and four applicants can be nominated to the Environment category.

Note: Applicants in the Native Healthcare and Tribal Policy categories must be Native American or Alaskan natives. Read more about the categories on the Udall website.

National Application Process

The national application deadline for the 2026 Udall Scholarship is March 4th by 11:59 p.m. MST. By this deadline, applications must be submitted in the Udall application portal.

All students must meet the campus deadline in order to be eligible for endorsement by the national deadline. Learn more about the Udall Scholarship including funding details, eligibility requirements, and information about past award winners.

Next Steps

Request An AppLICATION