Washington University in St. Louis seeks to support and enhance the Saint Louis region through the research, teaching and service efforts of its students, faculty and staff.
Believing that active engagement of the human resources of the university benefits the local community, the university provides numerous opportunities for connection to the academic work of the institution.
Charter Public School Sponsorship
Washington University serves as the charter public school sponsor of KIPP St. Louis and the Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls. Charter public school sponsorship is one of many ways that the university supports K-12 public education in the St. Louis region.
College Prep Program
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to making higher education more accessible to first-generation students. Scholars participating in the College Prep Program live and learn on campus, prepare for their own college career and connect with other talented students. The program is free.
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College Advising Corps
Washington University’s College Advising Corps is an evidence-based, data-driven, high-impact program that seeks to increase the number of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented high school students in the St. Louis area who are applying to, entering and completing higher education. The program is part of a national movement and sends talented, enthusiastic recent Washington University graduates to serve as full-time college advisers in local St. Louis area high schools.
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Community Impact
From the design of Eads Bridge in the 1800s to the delivery of medical care in the 21st century, Washington University faculty members have served and will continue serving the region. Along with our commitment to teaching and research, Washington University values service to the community through contributions to education, health, public service, culture and economy, as well as the relationships that are evolving with St. Louis, its people and its institutions.
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Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement
The Gephardt Institute promotes lifelong civic engagement and sustained community impact through educationally-based service initiatives at Washington University in St. Louis.
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Institute for Public Health
A university-wide initiative that brings diverse partners together to address the complex health issues facing the St. Louis region and beyond. The vision for public health at Washington University is to improve community and international health through the creation of new knowledge, the application and translation of science, and the training of advanced academic and practice leaders in public health.
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Institute for School Partnership/K-12 Connections
Washington University’s interdisciplinary center dedicated to improving teaching and learning in the St. Louis education community, K-12 Connections seeks to connect Washington University students, staff and faculty with volunteer opportunities in high-needs urban school districts in the St. Louis area.
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Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
Offering programs and activities designed to grow and nurture the entrepreneurial interests of Washington University students and members of the St. Louis community, the Skandalaris Center is the hub of entrepreneurial activity on campus, working to build an innovation environment in the seven schools of the university where ideas and people can connect and cause action that changes lives.
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The Pipeline: Supporting K-12 Education
At Washington University in St. Louis, we are committed to serving the community we call home by improving local schools, supporting educators and mentoring young students. The Pipeline provides resources and news highlighting the work of our faculty, staff and students in local schools.
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If you are interested in connecting with Washington University faculty members, departments or schools, feel free to email JoAnna Schooler, assistant vice chancellor for Community Relations & Local Government Affairs.