Impact Area

Revisit and reconstruct the history of Asian Americans in St. Louis utilizing an intuitive digital humanities tool, ArcGIS StoryMap. The story map, called Asia in Saint Louis, comprises images, interactive maps, narratives, and interview videos, and is conceptualized and structured around the four themes/sections: Historical traces, early Chinese Americans, early Japanese Americans, and Asian American civil rights. The story map will use primary sources from four local historical societies and archives: Washington University Libraries Special Collections, Missouri Historical Society, State Historical Society of Missouri-Saint Louis, and National Archives in Kansas City.

Each semester, the Washington University Student Occupational Therapy Association has been able to improve the lives of many individuals in the St. Louis community. These projects include exploring areas of occupational therapy practice and volunteering within the community. Projects range from Accessibility of Schools in St. Louis, assessment of two school environments in St. Louis, to the Parkinson Disease Caregiver Education Series, a project where faculty and students develop curriculum of two classes to support the knowledge, skills, and emotional health of Parkinson patients’ caregivers.

The Redevelopment Center at WashU Medicine has helped provide human and social services, diverse housing options, and residential life and safety to surrounding neighborhoods. This is done through initiatives and outreach programs that caters to those communities.

The Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program (MAOP) works to improve the health and quality of life of adults with arthritis through uplifting and supporting evidence-based lifestyle management. WashU serves as one of seven Regional Arthritis Centers in Missouri and the only one in the St. Louis area.

The Center for Community Health Partnership & Research (CCHPR) reduces disparities and improves health and wellness in the region as it fosters meaningful engagement between communities and researchers.

The What’s your reach? campaign is designed to make research understandable and relatable to everyone. The campaign provides research education in community settings, dispels myths and misconceptions about research, and discusses opportunities to participate in research. Community members include libraries, YMCAs, community centers, health fairs, etc.

Life Outside of Violence (LOV) helps those harmed by physical violence. Victims are able to receive treatment, support and resources needed to end the cycle of violence. Established in 2018, it is the first hospital-based intervention program in the nation to incorporate three research universities, including WashU, and four hospitals. St. Louis city and county residents ages 8-30 injured by gunshot, stabbing or blunt trauma are eligible for this program.

The Small Business Initiative from Olin Business School works to positively impact the St. Louis economy. Undergraduate students work on consulting and recommending best practices aimed at the success of St. Louis businesses. Past initiatives include LifeBridge Partnership, the Salvation Army, and Sew St. Louis. Businesses are able to apply for them to be included.

The Taylor Community Consulting program from the Olin Business School works to impact the local nonprofit sector. Students, across all disciplines, work in team-based learning projects with the hope of creating positive change in the St. Louis community.

Serving as local nonprofit board members, WashU students provide service for United Way through engagement with community leaders. Students are able to develop valuable skills in board governance, interpersonal communication, and leadership while providing pro bono work to this corporation. Even as the yearlong program concludes, typically over half of the board fellows continue to serve.