Butler University has been named the 2024 Volunteer Changemaker by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI), an honor recognizing the University’s innovative contributions to mentorship through a group mentoring program. The award was presented during the Butler Men’s Basketball game against DePaul as part of BBBSCI’s annual Changemaker Awards, which celebrate organizations that have catalyzed transformational change in the Central Indiana community.
Through a strong partnership with BBBSCI, Butler developed a new mentorship model designed to better serve youth who have been on the waitlist for one-on-one mentors. This innovative approach, piloted in spring 2024, allows Butler students to engage in meaningful group mentorship experiences as part of the University’s Indianapolis Community Requirement (ICR), a core component of Butler’s curriculum that integrates academic learning with community engagement.
“This recognition from Big Brothers Big Sisters is an incredible honor,” Hanako Gavia, Associate Director of the Office of Student Experience and Engagement at Butler University, said. “Our students are not just fulfilling a requirement—they are making a real difference. Their dedication and care have been the driving force behind the success of this mentorship program, which is both transforming lives and elevating their own learning.”
The group mentorship program, initially launched with ten students, has grown steadily over the past year. Students from various disciplines dedicate 20 hours per semester to work directly with referred youth—those who face barriers to being matched with individual mentors. By fostering a sense of community and providing consistent support, the program has created new opportunities for youth while offering students a hands-on, impactful service-learning experience.
Gavia emphasized that the program is a natural fit for the ICR’s emphasis on mutually beneficial partnerships between Butler students and the Indianapolis community. “This program is unique in its depth. It’s not just about meeting hours—it’s about meaningful, sustained engagement that benefits both our students and the community. It exemplifies what makes Butler’s education truly special.”
Butler’s involvement with BBBSCI and the success of the group mentoring program reflect the University’s ongoing commitment to innovation, inclusion, and service. By creating a scalable model that connects academic learning with community impact, Butler is paving the way for more students to engage in transformative experiences that shape their futures while addressing critical needs in the community.
“Butler University has truly helped transform the way we reach and support more young people through mentorship,” said Caitlin Bain, Chief Development Officer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. “They [Butler] were the first to step up as a pilot partner in creating this group mentoring model, and the impact has been incredible—not just for the youth who benefit from these relationships, but also for the Butler students who are engaging in meaningful service. This partnership is a model for other universities, and we are proud to recognize Butler with the Volunteer Changemaker Award for their history-making commitment to mentorship.”
As Butler and BCI continue to expand the program, the University’s recognition as a Volunteer Changemaker underscores the vital role higher education can play in addressing societal challenges. “This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Michael Lofton, Executive Director of Community & Government Relations at Butler University, said. “We are proud to stand alongside Big Brothers Big Sisters to create brighter futures for youth in Indianapolis.”
January is National Mentoring Month. To learn more about how you can become a “Big” or volunteer, visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana website.