Arrupe Social Justice Scholars
Forming people for and with others to help bring about the more universal good.
About the Program
Named in honor of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J., the Arrupe Social Justice Scholars Program is a diverse community of John Carroll students who bring together their intellectual curiosity and passion for community service through a shared commitment to social justice.
Why Arrupe?
In Arrupe, it's not enough to simply learn about injustice and inequality. We give students the tools they need to advocate for meaningful social change—analyzing root causes, standing in solidarity with communities, and taking action.
Learn by Doing
Outside the classroom, you'll explore ways of standing in solidarity with those facing oppression and injustice, learning from community partners and bearing witness to their struggles.
“"...we as an intellectual community must analyze causes; ... communicate to our constituencies a consciousness that inspires the freedom of self-determination; ... and constantly hone an educational institution that is both academically excellent and ethically oriented."”
Inquire, Engage, Reflect
The Arrupe program brings together three principles to guide your experience. Each contributes to the other, and all together, they help form students into people for and with others.
Intellectual Rigor
Analyze social justice issues from multiple disciplinary lenses—social, cultural, political, economic, and moral. Our academic courses enable you to ask questions that help you understand the dimensions of injustice.
Community-Based Service Learning
Integrate your classroom learning with real-world community experiences, standing in solidarity with those facing injustice. You'll learn from community partners and bear witness to their struggles.
Spiritual Reflection
Reflection and discernment are central to the spirituality and pedagogy of the Arrupe Program. Learn to connect your passions and desires with the ongoing work of justice as embodied in our Jesuit mission and values.
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Intellectual Rigor
Analyze social justice issues from multiple disciplinary lenses—social, cultural, political, economic, and moral. Our academic courses enable you to ask questions that help you understand the dimensions of injustice.
-
Community-Based Service Learning
Integrate your classroom learning with real-world community experiences, standing in solidarity with those facing injustice. You'll learn from community partners and bear witness to their struggles.
-
Spiritual Reflection
Reflection and discernment are central to the spirituality and pedagogy of the Arrupe Program. Learn to connect your passions and desires with the ongoing work of justice as embodied in our Jesuit mission and values.
Your Arrupe Journey
Four years together with your cohort—building skills, community, and impact.
1
Critical Social Justice & Nonviolent Theory and Action
Build your foundation for understanding justice work
With your cohort
2
Issues in Social Justice
Deep dive into systemic injustice
With your cohort
3
Social Justice Research
Methods for investigating justice issues
With your cohort
4
Advocacy and Action
Lead your senior capstone project
With your cohort
Senior Capstone: Your Advocacy Project
In your senior year, you'll plan, organize, and execute an advocacy project as the culmination of your Arrupe journey. Bring together four years of learning to help create what St. Ignatius calls "the more universal good."
What Arrupe Scholars Have Created
Understanding Women's Health Workshop
Engaged workshop for high school students highlighting social and biological factors impacting women's health
Health Exploration Fair
Interactive health fair helping students advocate for their health, make informed choices, and explore campus resources
Vigil to End Human Trafficking
Collaborative event bringing local leaders to campus, honoring victims through ritual and reflection
Banned Book Exhibit
On-campus exhibit raising awareness around book bannings and how censorship impacts freedom of speech
Practical Perks
Benefits that come with being an Arrupe Scholar
First Pick of Classes
Register before your peers each semester
Free Textbooks
All your Arrupe courses covered
Live with Your Cohort
Dolan Hall option (renovated 2022)
Counts Toward Degree
9 of 18 credits satisfy Core
PJHR Minor Included
18 total credits toward your minor
Advocacy in Action
Real experiences, real impact. Here's what you'll do as an Arrupe Scholar.
Footprints for Fatima 5k & Holiday Food Drive
Get involved with one of our longest standing community partners by helping plan and lead our annual 5k and food drive benefiting the Fatima Family Center here in Cleveland.
Student-led from planning to execution
Read about last year's event →Power and Privilege Conference
Put your organizational and intellectual skills to work by helping design and execute the Power & Privilege Conference – putting social justice issues front and center for the JCU community.
Full conference leadership
Service Learning
Collaborate with community partners working for social justice in Cleveland and beyond–then bring those experiences back to the classroom to transform your education.
Real-world learning
Community Building
The work of social justice is hard, so having a community to fall back on is key. Arrupe Scholars study together, work together, and find time to relax and enjoy what JCU and Cleveland have to offer–from museums, to farmers markets, and beyond.
Lifelong connections
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrupe is a scholars program, not a scholarship in the traditional financial aid sense. However, Arrupe Scholars receive valuable benefits including a book award (course materials covered), priority class registration, and eligibility for the Living-Learning Community in Dolan Hall. The program’s real value is in the community, mentorship, and hands-on advocacy experience you’ll gain.
Beyond your 18 credits of Arrupe coursework spread over four years, can participate in a number of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, as well as cultural and community building experiences in the Cleveland area. Most students find these experiences energizing rather than burdensome because they connect directly to their passions and foster a sense of belonging among the Arrupe community.
Yes! Many Arrupe Scholars study abroad. Work with your advisor to plan your course sequence so you can take advantage of JCU’s study abroad programs while staying on track with your Arrupe requirements.
You can apply to both programs. Some students participate in both Arrupe and Honors, though this requires careful planning. Talk to Dr. Crowley-Buck about how to balance both programs with your major requirements.
We look for students who demonstrate genuine commitment to community service and social justice—not just a list of activities, but evidence that you care deeply about making a difference. Tell us about the issues that matter to you, experiences that shaped your perspective, and how you want to grow as an advocate during your time at JCU.
Arrupe alumni pursue diverse paths including graduate school, law school, nonprofit work, education, healthcare, public policy, and social work. The research, advocacy, and community engagement skills you develop prepare you for careers where you can continue making a difference. Contact arrupe@jcu.edu to learn more about alumni outcomes.
