The Udall Scholarship Program honors the public service legacies of Morris K. Udall, Congressman from Arizona (1961-1991), and Stewart L. Udall, Secretary of the Interior (1961-1969). The scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,000. Juniors are eligible for one year of support; sophomores may be renominated during their junior year and compete for a second year of support. Approximately 60 scholarships are awarded each year.
Read carefully the Udall Scholarship website for further information.
Important Dates
February 10
Deadline: Application due to Fellowships Coordinator by 9:00 am. See Application Process.
February
An official on-campus endorsement committee reviews applications and selects six applicants to be endorsed to the foundation.Applicants are notified of endorsement decisions by the fellowship coordinator.
March 4
Deadline: FINAL SUBMISSION of application to Fellowship Coordinator.
early March
Foundation deadline for receipt of application material.
April
Announcement of winners.
Eligibility
Awards are made to outstanding sophomores and juniors who fall into one of two groups:
Those who intend to pursue careers in environmental public policy; and
Native American and Alaska Native students who intend to pursue careers in health care or tribal public policy. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be in the top quarter of their class.
Selection Criteria
Applicants first submit their materials to a campus committee for review in February. Cornell chooses up to eight students as nominees to the national Udall Scholarship competition, a maximum of four applying on the environment side, a maximum of four applying on the Native side. Students’ applications must be processed and endorsed through the CCS fellowships office to be eligible for the competition at the regional and/or national level. Endorsement decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Selection decisions (on-campus and the national level) are based on the following criteria:
Strong commitment to pursue a career related to improving or preserving the environment -OR- for Native American or Alaska Native candidates, a strong commitment to pursue a career in any area of health care or tribal public policy. Students should have shown such commitment through their academic program and extracurricular activities.
Potential for significant future contribution in the student's chosen career field. Selection committees judge the student's potential by looking at performance in relevant coursework and level of contribution to public service and community activities related to the student's stated career interest.
Outstanding academic achievement is necessary. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required; award winners often hold a 3.5 or higher.
Three letters of recommendation. Recommenders are asked to comment on the student's motivation and potential for a career in the chosen area, as well as academic performance. Choose recommenders who know you both academically and personally. Strong letters focus on your potential ability to make an impact on public policy and cite specific examples of maturity and initiative.
Personal statement. This 800-word essay must focus on a significant public speech, legislative act, book, or public policy statement by Congressman Morris K. Udall or Secretary of Interior Stewart L. Udall and its significance to you and your field of study. The essay should clarify your own interests and goals, show how you will pursue them, and demonstrate more than a passing acquaintance with either of the Udalls' legacy.
Application Process
Students’ applications must be processed and endorsed through the CCS fellowships office to be eligible for the competition at the regional and/or national level. Endorsement decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Application materials are available on the Udall Foundation Web site. Students must make an appointment with the Fellowship Coordinator to register their intent to apply and to discuss their candidacy.
The Fellowship Coordinator will forward your application materials to the Cornell Endorsement Committee. Make sure that you read the fine print on the application forms and that you have filled in all the blanks as you would for the final submission. All materials must arrive to 103 Barnes Hall by 2:00 pm on the deadline.
Application form, including essay.
College transcript(s) from each institution attended.
You must provide college transcripts. The Fellowship Coordinator may not get transcripts on your behalf.
Three letters of recommendation:Faculty members provide information on your academic qualifications, as well as your interest and commitment to a career in environmental public policy, health care, or tribal public policy. Recommenders are also asked to comment on your personal characteristics, particularly on your initiative, maturity, and potential to make an impact on public policy. The Fellowship Coordinator can provide advice on choosing recommenders.
Endorsement
Up to eight applicants may be endorsed by the on-campus committee (a maximum of four applying on the environmental side, a maximum of four applying on the Native side). The campus committee may offer nominees advice on how to improve their materials for final submission.
Application form and essay.
College transcript(s) from each institution attended.
