WashU’s Commitment to Educational Access

We demonstrate our commitment to educational access by developing and investing in programs that serve children from K-12 and by working with educators and leaders to improve the school system in St. Louis.

At WashU, we’re a champion for educational access for students throughout St. Louis. It’s part of our commitment to creating a more vibrant and equitable region. This commitment is reflected in a variety of K-12 and college access initiatives. WashU is dedicated to helping shape the next generation of leaders through programming, service, and leadership. We also aim to make higher education accessible for any student who wishes to pursue these opportunities, regardless of socioeconomic background. Through this ongoing commitment, we’re helping ensure students have the skills they need to succeed in post-secondary education and beyond. 

Institute for School Partnership

Educational access for K-12 students is a pressing and complex challenge in St. Louis.  

Ensuring all children participate in high-quality educational programs is key to expanding economic opportunity for children and growth in our community. WashU’s Institute for School Partnership (ISP) is closing the education gap for tens of thousands of students in under-resourced schools by leading translational research that has a real-world impact for students in our region. 

WashU Undergraduate Admissions 

As part of WashU’s commitment to education, the university has developed a comprehensive strategy to expand college access. Through programs like WashU Pledge, which offers a free WashU education for under-resourced students from Missouri and Illinois; College Prep, which introduces St. Louis-area high school students from limited-income backgrounds to college; and the Rural Scholars Academy, which brings talented high school students from rural and small-town Heartland communities to WashU; we are committed to making higher education accessible to all.  

WashU Medicine Academic Pathway Programs 

Academic Pathway Programs at WashU Medicine is building an educational ecosystem that connects high school, college, and PhD and MD-PhD students in the region with empowering educational and scientific activities, while simultaneously providing many students with exposure and access to science-based research. Academic Pathway Programs’ work includes curated outreach and community engagement activities as well as oversight of research-based K-12, undergraduate, and graduate programs. 

K-12 Summer Programming 

Education doesn’t stop at the end of the academic year. WashU offers programming for youth over the summer to encourage their learning and exploration. The university also provides space for initiatives, bringing students, educators, and leaders on campus for vital educational opportunities. 

Charter School Sponsorship 

Charter public school sponsorship is one of the many ways we support K-12 public education in the St. Louis region. WashU currently serves as the charter public school sponsor of KIPP St. Louis. As a sponsor, the university ensures that charter public schools are in compliance with all federal and state statutes.  In addition, the university is committed to supporting student academic achievement by connecting supporting students with various university resources such as the Institute for School Partnership.