Stanford
Native American Cultural Center
Rolling hills leading off into the distance of the landscape.

Udall Scholarship

The Udall Scholarship is a scholarship opportunity geared towards sophomores and juniors who intend to become 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 Alaskan Native leaders interested in addressing public and community health care, Tribal government, and public policy issues that affect Native American communities, including land and resource management, economic development, and education.

Eligibility

  • Nomination by Stanford through the Native American Cultural Center
  • U.S. citizen or a U.S. national from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
  • Full-time sophomore or junior (see the Udall website for definitions of class standing)
  • Study a field and demonstrate leadership in work related to the environment or Native American/Native Alaskan health care or Tribal policy
  • Minimum GPA of “B” or above
  • Enrolled full-time at Stanford
  • Will be pursuing a bachelor's degree full-time
  • Must be able to attend Udall Orientation Week

Note: Scholars selected during their Sophomore year may be re-nominated during the next year's competition.

Application

  • Email Ryan Duncan ryandunc@stanford.edu to acquire your unique login for the Udall website when registration opens.
    • Confirm which category you are applying under:
      • Tribal public policy and/or Native health care (Indian country)
      • Environment
  • Consult with the Udall campus advisor regarding the content and writing of your application.
  • Carefully select the speech, legislative act, or policy statement of either Morris Udall or Stewart Udall that you will address in the 800-word essay.
  • Request three confidential letters of recommendation (original only, additional copies not necessary):
    • At least one letter of recommendation must come from Stanford faculty.
    • It is recommended that you review Tips for Soliciting Letters of Recommendation and confer with the Udall campus liaison before finalizing your choices for recommendations. Begin this process early to allow for creation and submission by the deadline.
  • Email the following materials to Ryan Duncan by the campus deadline February 9, 2026, 11:59 PST:
    • Request an electronic version of all official college transcripts to be sent to Ryan Duncan. If you can only obtain hard copies of a transcript, submit one original copy.
    • Three letters of recommendation (original only, additional copies not necessary). Letters may be sent electronically from the writer to Ryan Duncan (ryandunc@stanford.edu).
    • Signed Fellowship Nomination Permission Form and Waiver. 

Important Udall Dates 

  • October 15, 2025 – Faculty representatives can register students for the online application
  • February 9, 2026 11:59 PST – Stanford Campus Deadline to submit all application materials to Ryan Duncan
  • March 4, 2026 – Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MST
  • May 13, 2026 – Udall Scholars announced on the website

Additional Resources

You are strongly encouraged to consult with your faculty mentors on the application.