Native American Congressional Internships

The Udall Foundation provides a ten-week summer internship in Washington, D.C., for Native American and Alaska Native students who wish to learn more about the federal government and issues affecting Indian Country. The internship is fully funded: the Foundation provides round-trip airfare, housing, per diem for food and incidentals, and a stipend at the close of the program.

Interns work in congressional and agency offices where they have opportunities to research legislative issues important to tribal communities, network with key public officials and tribal advocacy groups, experience an insider's view of the federal government, and enhance their understanding of nation-building and tribal self-governance.

The internship program is funded by the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy, which was founded by the Udall Foundation and The University of Arizona in 2001 as a self-determination, self-governance, and development resource for Native nations.

In 2013, the Foundation expects to award 12 Internships on the basis of merit to Native Americans and Alaska Natives who:

  • Are college juniors or seniors, recent graduates from tribal or four-year colleges, or graduate or law students;
  • Have demonstrated an interest in fields related to tribal public policy, such as tribal governance, tribal law, Native American education, Native American health, Native American justice, natural resource protection, cultural preservation and revitalization, and Native American economic development.

Find out more about the Internship Program: watch the video


The Udall Internship is paramount in placing Native American students and young professionals at the forefront of legislative affairs. The opportunities waiting in Washington D.C. are unbelievable!

- Cynthia Biro,
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, 2008 Intern



Award Winners