Oklahoma State University's Jeremy Bennett is among 13 students from across the United States selected by the Morris K. Udall Foundation for the 2009 Native American Congressional Internship. 

The students represent 10 tribes and nine universities. Bennett, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is an environmental science senior from Oklahoma City.

The students were selected by an independent review committee of nationally recognized Native American educators and tribal policy leaders based on their demonstrated commitment to careers in tribal public policy and academic achievement. The foundation received a record number of applicants this year, and this group of interns represents one of the strongest classes the Udall Foundation has seen since starting the program in 1996.

This highly regarded internship program, located in Washington, D.C., provides an insider's view of the federal government. It is known for placing Native students in competitive positions in Senate and House offices, committees, Cabinet departments, and the White House, where they can observe government decision-making processes first-hand.

The foundation awards approximately 12 internships every summer based on 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 who 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.

This year, in accordance with a partnership with First Alaskans Institute, the number of Udall Interns increased to 13. The 13 new Udall Interns will complete an intensive, 10-week internship in the summer of 2009. Special enrichment activities will provide opportunities to meet with key decision-makers. Since its inception in 1996, 149 Native American/Alaska Native students from 84 tribes have participated in the program.

Bennett is the only student from an Oklahoma college or university selected for this year’s Congressional internship class.

The Morris K. Udall Foundation is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1992 to honor Congressman Udall’s legacy of public service. Congressman Udall served in the House of Representatives for three decades, a career distinguished by civility, integrity and consensus. He championed the rights of Native Americans and Alaska Natives, using his leadership in Congress to strengthen tribal self-governance and national environmental policy. The foundation’s education programs are supported by a trust fund in the U.S. Treasury and contributions from the private sector. The Udall Foundation also includes the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, which assists in resolving conflicts related to the environment, public lands, and natural resources.

For additional information on the Native American Congressional Internship Program, please visit our website at www.udall.gov.