The Compass Center Scholars Program

At The Compass Center, we believe that college is a tremendous opportunity for self-discovery. Reflecting on your values,beliefs and on what inspires you can help you begin to discern your purposes in life. Students selected as Compass Center Scholars will share in the process of self-discovery with others through our special programs, internships, interfaith opportunities, and service activities. These experiences will also prepare them to serve as a compelling ambassador for the Center and as a dynamic resource for Butler University.

Candidates with diverse backgrounds and those who have shown evidence of leadership, commitment to religious/spiritual exploration, interfaith engagement, and/or service to others, and social justice activism are highly encouraged to apply. Compass Center  Scholars are required to participate in the interfaith programming of campus as engaged community members through leadership opportunities, interfaith exploration, and service activities. Additionally, recipients of this award are expected to be excellent students, maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The Compass Center  Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Brent Hege, serves as a mentor and guide to Compass Center  Scholars and creates a unique community, supporting their success in the program and at Butler.

The Compass Center  Scholarship is offered to fewer than 10 incoming students a year for $4,000 per academic year for the first four years at Butler, presuming Scholars meet all requirements. As a result, The Compass Center  Scholarship is a competitive application process for a unique Butler experience.  

To Apply:
1. Complete a Butler Application or Common App (and submit all required supporting materials) by our Early Action deadline of November 1.

2. Complete The Compass Center Scholars application form by November 15.

(Access to the application form will be made available to students on update after their application for admission is submitted.)

Application Deadline: For completed Early Action applicants, The Compass Center First Year Scholars application deadline is November 15.

Selection Criteria: Students must be admitted Early Action. In addition to submitting an impactful two-part application essay, ideal candidates should have a strong academic record and have demonstrated interest and participation in two or more of the following:

  • Leadership
  • Religious Exploration
  • Interfaith Engagement
  • Service to Others/Social Justice Activism

​Notification: Award letters are sent by mid-March.

For additional scholarship opportunities, please refer back to the Admission and Aid webpage.​ For more information, contact Madalyn Lehman, mbigham@butler.edu.

Compass Center Scholar Stories

Maria Abdelmalek

“Interfaith council gave me an opportunity to learn about other religions, spiritual, and secular beliefs, which in turn made me delve deeper into my own religion. The mere exposure to other traditions made me fascinated with the differences and similarities between my own line of thinking and varying ideologies. For the first time in my life, I was learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Read Maria’s Story

Rose Cruzan

“You don’t need to be spiritual, you don’t need to be religious, you just need to be open-minded and ready to talk… Throughout the conversations I’ve had through the Center, I’ve grown to not only understand other beliefs, but to grow more deeply rooted in my own. It’s a unique experience that I think everyone deserves to enjoy.”

Read Rose’s Story