Morris K. Udall Native American Congressional Internship Program

The Native American Congressional Internship Program identifies future leaders in Indian Country and places them in Congressional and Federal agency offices in Washington, D.C. to learn firsthand how the Federal Government works with and impacts Tribes and Tribal communities. The Internship provides professional development for up to 12 deserving and qualified students annually, connecting them to a network of leaders and policymakers in Indian affairs. The Internship Program is funded by a combination of annual appropriations and a permanent trust fund endowment. Assistance is intended for the use of Interns only.

Applicants must be Native American or Alaska Native; be a junior or senior in college, a recent graduate from a Tribal or four-year college, or a graduate or law student; and be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. Applicants should also demonstrate commitment to Tribal public policy or Tribal communities.

A successful applicant will demonstrate:
•Interest in learning how the Federal government works;
•Commitment to his or her Tribal community;
•Knowledge of Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall's legacy with regard to Native Americans and Alaska Natives;
•Awareness of issues and challenges currently facing Indian Country;
•Strong research and writing skills;
•Organizational abilities and time management skills;
•Maturity, responsibility, and flexibility.

This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Applicants must email a completed Internship Application Form; provide three references; and a resume.

The Udall Foundation will select individuals from the academic and professional community to serve as the Internship Review Committee. Udall Foundation staff will verify the applications for completeness and eligibility. The Committee meets to review and select up to 16 finalists. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of: 1) Interest in and commitment to learning about the federal government; 2) Demonstrated commitment to Tribal communities and/or Tribal public policy, through contributions to or participation in one or more of the following: campus activities, community or public service, Tribal government and cultural activities, research; 3) Desire to use the knowledge gained to support their Tribal community and/or Indian Country; and 4) Demonstrated leadership, character and integrity. Following the selection of finalists, the Review Committee will conduct virtual interviews with the finalists to select up to 12 Interns.

January of each year for receipt of applications; February of each year for selection of Interns by Internship Review Committee; and March of each year for announcement of Udall Interns.