Students who are interested in careers involving the environment now have an opportunity for placement and advancement in their chosen fields.

Morris K. Udall scholarships will be awarded nationally to outstanding undergraduate students who are either interested in careers in the environment , or are Native Americans or Alaskan natives interested in careers in health care or tribal policy.

To qualify, a student must have a major relating to the environment. This includes environmental engineering and anything pertaining to the natural sciences. They must also have at least a 3.0 grade point average, said Paul Switzer of the biological sciences department.

According to Switzer, 75 Udall Scholarships are awarded nationwide each year. The award given is $5,000, which goes toward paying the student’s tuition. Switzer said he expects to award several scholarships to deserving candidates this year.

Sometimes, other students nominate candidates for scholarships. Switzer said that for this particular scholarship, that is not a good idea.

Applicants are required to submit a letter of recommendation from the biological sciences department along with an autobiographical sketch. In addition, they must write several essays relating to the scholarship.

The deadline to complete these requirements is Feb. 15. The foundation also has a website students may contact for further information. The address is www.udall.gov.

The Morris K. Udall Foundation has been in existence for 10 years. Switzer has been Eastern’s representative for five years.

The scholarship is highly competitive, and Eastern applicants compete with those from many excellent schools across the nation, including Ivy League schools, he said.

Six students from each participating school can be awarded annually. Switzer said that in the past, only students majoring in environmental policy were eligible, but the criteria has been broadened to encompass other environmentally related fields.

Anyone who wishes to apply should contact Switzer at 581- 6951. The deadline to apply for nominations is Monday, Jan. 29.