Undergraduate Scholarships

Bart Leonard was a student of our Naropa Founder in 1976 and devoted himself to meditation practice. Bart was the Director of the Shambhala Center in New York City for several years and served on the Board of the D.C. Shambhala Center.  Beginning in 2017, he served on the Naropa Board of Trustees with diligence, a vast heart, and disarming humor until his retirement in 2022. 

The Bart Leonard Scholars Fund will be awarded to returning (Starting at least their second year) graduate or undergraduate students, who demonstrate significant financial need. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years. Students applying for this scholarship must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for undergraduate students) or a 3.5 GPA (for graduate students).

Applicants should submit a 1–2 page essay describing the student’s desire to continue their studies at Naropa and how this scholarship would help them pursue their program. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and will be reviewed by a committee. 

Not currently accepting applications.

Awarded to one or two returning full-time graduate or undergraduate students per year, who identify with, or who have experience working with underrepresented populations. The scholarship is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years. Students from underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants should submit a 1–2 page essay describing the student’s current and past involvement with underrepresented communities. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and will be reviewed by a committee. Students applying for this scholarship must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for undergraduate students) or a 3.5 (for graduate students).

A Half-Century of Service

Chuck and Judy’s dedication to Naropa runs deep.  They are both committed to the vision of Naropa to create transformative education by joining contemplative practice, academic study, and community service. In Judy’s words, “Naropa transforms lives. It certainly transformed mine. I am proud to be a part of this visionary project.”

Chuck says, “Naropa’s motto: Transform Yourself, Transform the World, defines the impact of the unique Naropa approach to higher education. It is the reason our graduates have such an impact in so many disciplines and in so many places. Helping to meet the financial needs of our exceptional students is a great offering to a world in need of the leaders whose journey has led them to Naropa.”

For 50 years, Chuck and Judy have given their time and talents to create, serve, and invest in Naropa University.    

How to Apply:

The Chuck and Judy Lief Presidential Scholarship will be awarded to new and returning graduate or undergraduate students, who demonstrate significant financial need up to $2,500 per award. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years. Students applying for this scholarship must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for undergraduate students) or a 3.5 GPA (for graduate students).

Applicants should submit a 1–2-page essay describing why they chose to study at Naropa, what impact they see their studies at Naropa having on their career path, and how this scholarship would help them pursue their program and goals. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and will be reviewed by a committee.

Application for Spring 2025 Open now through October 23rd, 2024.

Friends of Thomas Coburn (Naropa President Emeritus) and Leigh Berry have made charitable gifts to this fund to support first generation college students with financial need.

One or two students per year are selected to receive all or part of the award. Students who wish to be considered for the scholarship should submit to the Financial Aid Office a brief essay (1–2 pages) describing the student’s eligibility for the award. Eligible applicants will be first generation undergraduate students (neither parent attended college), demonstrate financial need (through the FAFSA), be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Awards are not automatically renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years.

This scholarship was established to honor Gerald Red Elk and is awarded to one undergraduate or graduate student at a time, who identifies with or can demonstrate experience working with a Native American population (preference given to Native American groups within the United States). To qualify, the applicant must write an essay (no more than 3 pages in length) that documents past or current service to, or the impact of being part of, the Native American population, and explains the intended use of the degree in service to the tribe. Materials should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office, and student must meet all other criteria for financial aid. Native American students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Not currently accepting applications.

The Marvin I. Naiman Scholarship will be awarded by the Office of Financial Aid at Naropa University on an annual basis to an undergraduate student of non-traditional age (e.g. 23 and over) with demonstrated financial need. When possible, strong preference will be given to the individual who most exemplifies Marvin’s pursuit of self-knowledge, personal and intellectual discovery, and generosity of spirit. Marvin brought with him unflagging curiosity and a bright, even twinkling spirit. It is the intention of this scholarship to continue to invite and retain energy of this nature at Naropa University.

Marvin was very concerned about the difficult burden carried by single parents—particularly single mothers. He also held a passion for living in community. When possible, the university will consider students with these characteristics for the scholarship as well.

Students should submit an essay (one or two pages) addressing the above qualities.

Not currently accepting applications.

Awarded to one incoming or returning, graduate or undergraduate student who identifies with, or who can demonstrate experience working with, populations of color. The scholarship is available only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years. Students of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants should submit a 1–2 page essay describing the student’s current and past involvement with communities of color. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and will be reviewed by a committee. Students applying for this scholarship must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for undergraduate students) or a 3.5 (for graduate students).