Office of Fellowships

Fisk Hall 201C
262 High Street
Middletown, CT 06459
fellowships@wesleyan.edu
860-685-3686

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Udall Scholarship

Description

The Udall Foundation was created to honor the legacies of Congressman Morris Udall and Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall, whose careers significantly impacted Native American self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources. The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues in one of the two categories: (1) Native American tribal policy or (2) the environment. The Udall scholarships provides access to the Udall Alumni network, a five-day scholar orientation, and a financial award.  

Award

Up to $7,000 per year for eligible undergraduate academic expenses, such as tuition, fees, books and supplies, and room and board. Sophomores who are awarded a Udall Scholarship will receive up to $7,000 in each of their junior and senior years. Juniors who are awarded a Udall Scholarship will receive up to $7,000 in their senior year.

Eligibility in each of the three categories of the Udall Scholarship:

Environmental category

  • U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. permanent residents
  • College sophomores and juniors
  • Demonstrated commitment to the environment through participation in campus activities or service to the community
  • Working toward a career related to environmental issues on a local, national, or global scale

Tribal Policy category

  • Native Americans and Alaska Natives
    • You are enrolled in a state or federally recognized tribe or band; or
    • One or more of your parents or grandparents was an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized tribe or band; or
    • You are a permanent U.S. resident or U.S. citizen who is a member of the First Nations of Canada.
  • College sophomores and juniors
  • Demonstrated commitment to Indian country through participation in cultural activities and service to the community
  • Working towards a career that will enable you to make a difference for your tribe or for Native Americans and Alaska Natives
  • “Policy” is broadly conceived at the Udall Foundation, so bring your ideas to the fellowships office even if you’re unsure whether they would could as a policy focus!

Native Health Care category

  • Native Americans and Alaska Natives
    • You are enrolled in a state or federally recognized tribe or band; or
    • One or more of your parents or grandparents was an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized tribe or band; or
    • You are a permanent U.S. resident or U.S. citizen who is a member of the First Nations of Canada.
  • You are pursuing a health-related career

Application Materials

  • Online application (biographical information and short answers about your academic background, career goals, leadership, etc.)
  • Essay: The essay prompt (new in 2022) is as follows:
  • Transcripts 
  • Three letters of recommendation 

Selection Criteria

  • Commitment to community service, environmental causes, or Native issues
  • Problem-solving and consensus-building 
  • Leadership potential 
  • Educational, extracurricular, and professional work related to environmental causes or Native issues