Requirements

Open to:

• Cornell Undergraduate Students

GPA Requirements:

Minimum GPA: 3.00

Note: The next deadline by which to apply for Cornell's endorsement for the Udall is 1pm EST on January 9, 2026. 

Scholarships are offered in any of three categories:

• To students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, economics, and other related fields; or
• To Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy, including fields related to tribal sovereignty, tribal governance, tribal law, Native American education, Native American justice, natural resource management, cultural preservation and revitalization, Native American economic development, and other areas affecting Native American communities; or
• To Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to Native health care, including health care administration, social work, medicine, dentistry, counseling, and research into health conditions affecting Native American communities, and other related fields.

Scholars are selected on the basis of:

• Demonstrated commitment to environmental or natural resource issues; OR Demonstrated commitment to tribal public policy*; OR Demonstrated commitment to Native American health care*. 
  Commitment is demonstrated through substantial contributions to and participation in one or more of the following: campus activities, research, tribal involvement, community or public service. *Nominees in the categories of tribal public policy OR Native American health care must be Native American or Alaska Native students.
• Course of study and proposed career likely to lead to position where nominee can make significant contributions to the shaping of either environmental, or tribal public policy, or Native American health care issues, whether through scientific advances, public or political service, or community action.
• Leadership, character, desire to make a difference, general well-roundedness.

Financial need is not a criterion for selection.

Cornell is invited annually to nominate up to eight students to the national competition. The application and endorsement process is coordinated by Office of Fellowships. 

 
* Students interested in the Udall Foundation's Native American Congressional Internship Program should note that this is a separate program, requiring separate application: see the official website for details.  

Application Information:

Note: The next deadline by which to apply for Cornell's nomination for the Udall is 1pm ET on January 9, 2026.

Interested Cornell students should first read the very helpful official application instructions and advice on the Udall website, as well as the Cornell application information here.  After doing so, they are encouraged to refer questions to Clare Jones (meetings by appointment).

A complete application for Cornell's nomination for the Udall includes the following items, all of which must be submitted before the campus application deadline:

1. A completed Udall application, which includes questions about your professional aspirations, leadership experience, interest in research and/or graduate school, and public service experience.
2. An essay (according to the official instructions in the Udall application or in the Udall sample application) of no more than 800 words, on how the core values of civility, integrity, and consensus which guided the public service careers of Congressman Morris K. Udall and Secretary of Interior Stewart L. Udall resonate with you today and how you exemplify at least one of these values in your personal and professional life.
3. Three letters of reference: these should speak to your leadership, public service, and academic achievement; typically at least one should be written by a faculty member in your major field of study, but there is no requirement that all three letters must come from faculty members.  If you're applying in the field of tribal policy or Native American health care it's very helpful to get a letter from someone who can address your commitment to Indian Country. Not sure whom to ask? The folks in the Office of Fellowships would be delighted to help.
4. If you are applying in the fields of tribal public policy or Native American health care: a copy of your tribal enrollment card or other tribal verification will be needed (see the Udall FAQs for information about acceptable documentation).
5. Transcripts: Unofficial Cornell transcripts will suffice. 

Letters should be sent to ccs-fellowships@cornell.edu. Should you or your recommenders have any questions, please contact ccs-fellowships@cornell.edu.

Special Eligibility Requirements:

See the categories of eligibility in "Award description" above, and notes on the official Udall website.

Cornell is invited annually to nominate up to eight sophomores or juniors to the national competition. Applicants must have a college grade point average of at least "B" and must be U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens, or U.S. nationals intending to pursue careers in fields related to the environment, health care, or tribal public policy as defined above.

Cornell students with questions about their eligibility for the Udall are encouraged to contact ccs-fellowships@cornell.edu or schedule an appointment with the Udall adviser.

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Clare Jones at ckj23@cornell.edu.