The Scholarship Program identifies future leaders in environmental, Tribal public policy, and health care fields. It is highly competitive, with students participating in their schools’ internal competitions before receiving consideration from the Udall Foundation.
More About the Udall Scholarship
In 2026, the Udall Foundation anticipates awarding up to 65 scholarships of $7,500 each.
The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship honors the legacies of Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.
The Udall Foundation is committed to its core values of integrity, civility, consensus, public service, and nonpartisanship. Accordingly, Scholarship, Internship, and Fellowship award determinations are free from discrimination based on political opinion, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, reprisal, or genetic information, as defined by law or regulation and governed by applicable case law.
- 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.
- Email Ryan Duncan 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
- Confirm which category you are applying under:
- 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.
You are strongly encouraged to consult with your faculty mentors on the application.
- View Tips for Soliciting Letters of Recommendation
- Get information on how to request your electronic transcript from Stanford
- Get feedback from consultants at the Hume Center for Writing and Speaking on your essays and interview preparation
- Sample application form