The Memorial is open 8:00AM-6:00 PM. **Alert, the Restaurant and Snack Shop are open until 4:00 pm. Winner Ticket for motorcycle #6426

The University

In the last eleven years, over 400 students from 70 Native Nations and 29 states have successfully completed an academic program at Crazy Horse Memorial University™ and continued their college studies at universities and colleges throughout the United States.

Chief Henry Standing Bear was a strong, proud, and progressive leader who believed that education was instrumental in preserving the culture and living heritage of the American Indian peoples.

He was an eloquent writer and learned at an early age that he would be able to advance his ideals much more effectively using the mighty pen. This is evidenced in his invitation to sculptor 

Korczak Ziolkowski, when Standing Bear communicated that he and his fellow chiefs wanted the world to know that "the Red Man has great heroes also." Once Korczak accepted Standing Bear's invitation, he ensured education was an essential part of the mission at Crazy Horse Memorial®. The dream that started with Standing Bear's desire was the genesis of what has become an incredible vision and story that remains in a state of becoming.


As with any great dream, Crazy Horse Memorial's educational efforts started small. In 1978, the Crazy Horse Memorial® scholarship program began with a single college scholarship of $250 awarded to a college student studying in South Dakota. Korczak called it a "modest effort now toward the future, long-range educational goals of Crazy Horse." Today, the cumulative total awarded to American Indian students attending colleges or universities in South Dakota and other select colleges and universities including tribal colleges exceeds $2 million. Eligible recipients must be Native American Indian students who plan to attend or are attending a South Dakota college, university, vocational-technical school or tribal college. Crazy Horse Memorial® does not process scholarship applications. Funds are distributed to qualifying colleges, universities and technical institutions and recipients. Interested students should contact the financial aid office at their college.


In the last eleven years, over 400 students from 70 Native Nations and 29 states have successfully completed an academic program at Crazy Horse Memorial University™ and continued their college studies at universities and colleges throughout the United States. Native students who start college at Crazy Horse Memorial University™ are provided an unconventional level of student support from University Student Success Coaches, regardless of where students pursue their degrees. Each year, University leaders complete a college persistence/college completion research report involving summer program participants. In a recent survey, an 81% response rate was attained, confirming that 72% of the respondents remained in college or had graduated. Alumni now in the workforce include teachers, counselors, social workers, nurses, and business professionals. Individual alumni have also reported that they found work as an assistant museum curator, a police officer, a bank examiner, and a dental hygienist. The list of occupations for our graduates is limitless. Typically, many college graduates return to the reservation to share their talents, or they are employed with a Native-led organization.

Help Support The University

As we continue with our Native American education and humanitarian project

Wichozani Health and Wellness Spring Program

In partnership with Black Hills State University, Crazy Horse Memorial University™ will be offering Wichozani Health and Wellness Program for the Spring 2027 semester. Beginning January 2027, this 12 credit program will focus on Indigenous health and wellness education courses, offering several benefits and will promote cultural sensitivity, enhance understanding of traditional healing practices, and address the unique health challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Graduates may find opportunities in healthcare, public health, community organizations, and government agencies focused on improving Indigenous health outcomes. 


Wichozani Application 

Apply Now

7TH GEN.® Summer Program

In partnership with Black Hills State University, Crazy Horse Memorial University® is pleased to once again offer the 7TH GEN.® Summer Program, an 8-week summer program for high school graduates that are committed to secondary education. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for the rigors of college, provide accepted students free introductory university courses that will transfer to any regionally accredited college or university, extend accepted students a paid working internship at the Memorial complex, and further fulfill the mission of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.


7TH GEN.® Program Information

7TH GEN.® Magazine

7TH GEN.® Application

7TH GEN.® Apply Now Online

7TH GEN.® Upper Level Application

In partnership with Black Hills State University, Crazy Horse Memorial University® is excited to announce the Wounspe Gateway to Teacher Education program for the Fall 2027 semester. Beginning September 2027, this program is designed to support Indigenous students as they explore careers in education, build college skills, and take meaningful steps toward a degree.


Graduates will leave with their first semester of courses completed, will explore Indigenous perspectives in education, earn 12 college credits, and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue the next steps in higher education and give back to their communities.

Wounspe - Gateway to Teacher Education Application


Wounspe Application 

Apply Now


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Crazy Horse Memorial®

12151 Avenue of the Chiefs

Crazy Horse, SD 57730-8900

605.673.4681


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