How to Apply

Learn How to Apply

The CWC Leadership Scholars Program welcomes undergraduates with a desire to join our community of diverse, thoughtful and civically responsible students passionate about feminist and culturally responsive leadership who thrive at DU and beyond. Our program harnesses the open and supportive environment that is the legacy of the Colorado Women’s College. We admit 15-20 incoming first-year students who identify as first-generation college students, students of color, and/or LGBTQ+ students. All applicants must be entering their first year at DU as an undergraduate student for the 2025-2026 academic year to be eligible for the program.

Application timeline:

  • Application Priority Deadline: Friday, March 28th, 2025
  • Student Interviews: Monday, April 7th – Friday, April 11th, 2025
  • Notify students of acceptance/awards: Monday, April 21st, 2025

Ready to Apply?

Click here to Apply for the Fall 2025 Cohort!

What you’ll need to apply

Application Materials

Please gather the following materials to complete your application: 

  • Resume or description of community involvement 
  • Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher or Mentor

Required Essays Questions

Applicants are required to complete four required essay questions. Each essay should be 250-500 words.

  • Essay Questions

    1) Why are you interested in becoming a CWC Leadership Scholar? How do you think being a CWC Leadership Scholar will assist you in developing as a leader?

    2) There are many definitions of leadership. Describe what leadership means to you. Please, share an example of when you demonstrated leadership. 

    3) Please describe a problem or social issue that you see facing those who identify as women. Tell us about the problem-solving skills or strategies you might use to address this problem/issue.     

    4) Our CWC Leadership Scholars represent diverse backgrounds, and this is part of the strength of our program. What are the important identities that shape who you are? How so? (for example, your race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, geographical location, religion, ability status, sexuality, gender identity, history of homelessness, and more). 

two women laughing in mountains

How is this similar to other programs?

There are many programs at the University of Denver that provide support and learning. We encourage applicants to CWC Leadership Scholars to also consider applying to Living & Learning Communities, PLP, and Puksta. However, due to the similarities of these programs, if you are accepted to more than one program, you will only be able to participate in one of the programs.

Ready to get started?

The application for the CWC Leadership Scholars is OPEN! If you have any questions, please reach out to Program Coordinator, Yona Estrada, at Yonahiza.Estrada@du.edu. Thank you for your interest in the CWC Leadership Scholars program!