Sociology Major Honored Nationally With Native American Congressional Internship

UNC Charlotte sociology major Aurora Trujillo is one of 12 students chosen nationwide by the Udall Foundation as 2012 Native American Congressional Interns.

Trujillo will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in public health. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health policy. She will intern in the office of U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman in the 10-week intensive program.

She is a varsity athlete from Taos Pueblo, N.M. and the Taos Pueblo Tribe. She wants to improve the health of American Indians through prevention with physical activity and nutrition, along with integrating traditional living. She believes improved health will strengthen native culture and communities, create opportunity and empower youth. She is also interested in environmental and social issues affecting community health.

An independent review committee of nationally recognized Native educators and tribal policy leaders chose the 12 interns on the basis of academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to careers in tribal public policy.

This highly regarded internship program in Washington, D.C. is intended to provide American Indians and Alaska Natives with an insider’s view of the federal government and decision-making processes. 

The Udall Foundation awards approximately 12 internships every summer on the basis of merit to American Indians 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 criminal justice, cultural preservation and revitalization, education, economic development, health, law, natural resources protection, and tribal governance.

The Udall Foundation is an independent federal agency that was established by Congress in 1992 to provide federally funded scholarships for college students intending to pursue careers related to the environment, as well as to American Indian students pursuing tribal public policy or health care careers.  

In 1998, the Foundation grew to include the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, created by Congress as the federal government’s only program focused entirely on resolving federal environmental disputes.  The Foundation also cofounded the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy, which is a self-determination, development, and self-governance resource to Indigenous peoples.