Indy Summer Experience 2026
Looking to explore Indianapolis and expand your professional network while completing an internship or similar professional experience this summer?
Applications are now open, and students may apply here.
Overview
Indy Summer Experience (ISE) is a program for students and recent alumni (graduated within the last five years) to learn what it is like to work and play in the great city of Indianapolis. ISE is a great opportunity for students and alumni who:
- who are looking for support related to networking and professional development
- interested in learning more about the city of Indianapolis
- gaining exposure to a variety of industries through professional, social, and cultural events
ISE is a 9-10 week professional development program with weekly meetings and events that occur after traditional work hours. This program is intentionally designed to allow those with full-time employment, internships, or research obligations to participate. Social and cultural offerings of Indy as well as connect and network with Butler alumni and local professionals through weekly summer programming.
What can you expect to learn? What are the benefits of Indy Summer Experience? Below are the program’s learning outcomes:
- Participants will gain professional development experience by engaging with CaPS advisors and exploring postgraduate career paths
- Participants will gain a greater understanding of the cultural, diverse, and social offerings of the Indianapolis area.
- Participants will meet Butler University alumni and local professionals by attending structured events.
- Orientation will be during the day on April 28, 2026.
- Our first event will be Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; all other events will take place weekly between June and July.
- There is no ISE event during the week of July 4, 2026.
ISE 2025 Sample of Events
First Event
- Fountain Square Tour
- Dinner at Upland Brewery
Second Event
- 100 Acres Mindful Nature Walk
- Dinner at Bazbeaux Broad Ripple
Third Event
- Tour of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Dinner at Big Woods
Fourth Event
- Tour of The Children’s Museum Archives
- Dinner from Clustertruck
Fifth Event
- Tour of Lucas Oil Stadium
- Dinner at Tavern on South
Sixth Event
- Tour of the Tube Factory and Garfield Park Conservatory
- Dinner in the Conservatory Garden
Seventh Event
- WNBA Game with Dinner on site
Closing Event
- Pattern Indy with catering
Attendance at the Indy Summer Experience events is required for all participants. These weekly events, which include meals, take place on various evenings and are completely free to students and alumni.
*Participants will be notified with the official schedule after acceptance into the program.
The Indy Summer Experience is open to all Butler University students and recent grads (no earlier than 2021) and majors. It is a competitive program and will be limited to 20 participants. All applications will be reviewed after March 20, 2026. Decisions will be communicated via email by March 27, 2026.
Participants in Indy Summer Experience must complete the following requirements:
Events
- Attend each of the nine weekly events – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.**
- Students will be responsible for transportation, but please reach out to CaPS if you need assistance.
** The first event in May will be on a Saturday during the day
Service Project
All participants will be required to participate in a service project with CaPS organizers. Details will be shared at a later date.
Career and Professional Success Appointment
Schedule and complete one virtual professional development appointment with a Career and Professional Success Advisor that may include a personal assessment, cover letter or resume critique, practice interview, or other career advising topic.
Presentation
Give a brief presentation highlighting the summer internship and program experience at the final event.
Special Notes
- Living in on-campus housing is not a requirement for Indy Summer Experience participants. Participants in need of on-campus housing are encouraged to contact Residence Life for availability, options, and rates.
- Complete the student application
- Email a one page resume to croussea@butler.edu
- Secure a recommendation from Butler faculty, staff, or a current/previous supervisor.
- Must be submitted by the end of the day on March 20, 2026
Want to chat more?
Please schedule an ISE informational appointment through Handshake.
Application Deadline
Friday, March 20, 2026
Applicant Notifications
By Friday, March 27, 2026
Orientation
Wednesday, April 28, 2026 – 11:30am to 2:00pm. Lunch will be provided
2025 Indy Summer Experience Program
Saturday, May 16 – July 30