Naropa University Announces $1.5M Grant for Psychedelic Studies Program
Unlikely Collaborators Grant Used for Undergraduate Minor Coursework Exploring Therapeutic, Cultural & Ecological Potential of Psychedelics
BOULDER, COLORADO—February 25, 2025—Naropa University (Naropa), the birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement and one of the nation’s only higher education institutions grounded in a contemplative teaching approach, announced a $1.5 million grant from Unlikely Collaborators. The scholarship partnership opens financial support for any interested undergraduate for the BA psychedelic studies minor.
The scholarship opportunity creates a like-minded union between Naropa University and Unlikely Collaborators, a nonprofit organization founded and chaired by Elizabeth R. Koch, dedicated to fostering transformative storytelling, developing human connection, and resolving internal conflict. UC’s perspective is that external conflict is the direct result of unconscious, unresolved internal conflict inside each and every one of us. Founded on the belief that how we perceive the world is highly subjective, Unlikely Collaborators supports projects that challenge assumptions, spark meaningful dialogue and invite people into deeper self-awareness.
“We trust that Naropa alumnx, with their creative and innovative spirits, will use their psychedelic education to problem-solve some of the biggest challenges we face as a society,” said Sara Lewis, PhD, LCSW, and Director of Training and Research at Memoru Center for Visionary Healing, the independent entity spun off by Naropa for training and research in the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Lewis was the associate professor at Naropa’s Graduate School of Counseling and the primary architect of the academic courses comprising the new minor. “From climate change to mental health crises to inequity across the globe, we are inspired by how our undergraduates want to pursue psychedelic studies to better our world.”
To fully understand the far-reaching potential of psychedelics and plant medicines, it takes years of study, practice and apprenticeship. Just as those pursuing careers in medicine or law may concentrate in pre-med or pre-law at the undergraduate level, Naropa students who take a deep interest in better understanding the ecological, sociocultural and therapeutic impact of these powerful medicines can begin their studies early in their academic careers.
“Many conflicts in the world stem from unconscious struggles within each of us,” said Koch. “Psychedelics can help reveal where we’ve taken on beliefs that hold us back—causing us to doubt ourselves, act against our own best interests, or feel disconnected from what really matters. This scholarship empowers students to uncover and heal those inner conflicts so they can step into the world as catalysts for meaningful change.”
About Naropa University
Naropa University, nestled in Boulder, Colorado, was established in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Drawing its name and inspiration from the teachings of the 11th-century Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, this private university stands out distinctly among America’s higher education landscape in its effort to integrate eastern wisdom with traditional western scholarship. Recognized as the pioneering force behind contemplative higher education and the start of the modern mindfulness movement, Naropa University is the sole institution to integrate a university-wide contemplative pedagogical approach. At Naropa, education transcends the ordinary; the institution embraces the entirety of its students—mind, body and spirit—augmenting traditional methodologies with practices like meditation. Since receiving its accreditation in 1986, Naropa University consistently upholds the exacting standards for quality and accountability set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more at naropa.edu.
About Unlikely Collaborators
Unlikely Collaborators is a nonprofit organization founded and chaired by Elizabeth R. Koch, dedicated to fostering transformative storytelling, developing human connection, and resolving internal conflict. UC’s perspective is that external conflict – wars, political battles, discrimination – is the direct result of unconscious, unresolved internal conflict inside each and every one of us. Founded on the belief that the way we perceive the world is highly subjective, Unlikely Collaborators supports projects that challenge assumptions, spark meaningful dialogue, and invite people into deeper self-awareness.
Central to this mission is the Perception BoxTM, a groundbreaking concept developed by Elizabeth R. Koch. More than just a metaphor, the Perception Box represents the often unseen framework of biases, beliefs, and narratives that influence how we interpret reality. Rooted in cognitive science and psychological research, this framework illustrates how each person’s unique mental model shapes their understanding of the world—often limiting their ability to connect with new perspectives and ideas. By investigating and expanding our personal Perception Box, individuals and communities can unlock compassion, creativity, and new ways of thinking.
Media Inquiries
Media Contacts
Molly Sposato
Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency
Molly@MyGrasslands.com
Scott Rowe
Unlikely Collaborators
scott@unlikelycollaborators.com
