Nelson-Running Wolf Scholarship

In 1970, CU Denver students Michael Running Wolf and Harold “Jim” Nelson recognized the need for greater support, belonging, and community among Native students on campus. Their advocacy helped establish a culturally grounded space at CU Denver that fostered respect, understanding, and connection for students pursuing their educational and leadership goals.

Nearly two decades later, their efforts inspired the creation of the Nelson-Running Wolf Scholarship in 1989. The scholarship was established to strengthen recruitment and retention, reduce financial barriers, and honor CU Denver’s relationship with Indigenous communities.

Today, the Nelson-Running Wolf Scholarship continues that legacy by supporting students who demonstrate a commitment to education, service, culture, and community, values that align with the spirit of its founders.

The scholarship is open to eligible CU Denver students from all backgrounds who meet enrollment, merit, and financial need criteria.

Eligibility

To be considered for the Nelson-Running Wolf Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Enrollment

Applicants must be currently enrolled at the CU Denver downtown campus and enrolled at least part-time (UGRD students: 6+ credits. GRAD students: 3+ credits).

Merit and Community Involvement

Applicants should describe their active involvement with American Indian culture, communities, organizations, or issues.

Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• Service to American Indian organizations or community groups
• Participation in traditional language or cultural practices
• Activism or advocacy related to Indigenous issues
• Involvement in CU Denver Native student organizations, programs, or community spaces
• Other forms of leadership, service, or cultural/community engagement

Financial Need

Applicants will be asked to describe their general financial need and how the scholarship would help support their educational goals.

Application

Applicants should be prepared to submit:

• A personal essay addressing cultural identity, community involvement, educational goals, merit, and financial need
• Responses to the scholarship application questions listed below
• Optional: Documentation supporting tribal identity

Preparation for the Application

Students should be prepared to respond to the following prompts:

1. Community, Culture, and Educational Goals
Please tell us about your community involvement, service, and educational or career goals. You may also share how your cultural identity, family, community, values, or lived experiences have shaped your path in higher education.

You may consider including:

• Your involvement with Native communities, organizations, or cultural practices
• Service, leadership, activism, or advocacy work
• Your academic and career goals
• How your education connects to your responsibilities, values, or hopes for Native communities

2. Financial Need

How would this scholarship support you? Please describe how receiving the Nelson-Running Wolf Scholarship would support your success at CU Denver.

Please share how the scholarship would:

• Help with educational expenses
• Reduce financial stress
• Allow you to focus more fully on your academic, career, cultural, or community goals

Scholarship Continuation

Awardees must maintain good academic standing and successfully complete the part-time or full-time coursework in which they were enrolled during the semester awarded.

The Nelson-Running Wolf Scholarship is not automatically renewable. Students must reapply each academic year.

Apply

Applications open:

• Fall term: August 1
• Spring term: January 1

Deadlines:

• Fall term: December 1
• Spring term: May 1

Questions?

Please contact [email protected] for more information about the Nelson Running-Wolf Scholarship.