Impact Area

Established in 1881, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum serves both WashU students and St. Louis residents as the one of the oldest teaching museums in the country. Through numerous and diverse programs and exhibitions, the Kemper Art Museum vast collection allows residents to peer into diverse artwork both in-person and virtual at little cost.

The Washington University Prison Education Project (PEP) offers a college education to incarcerated students at the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center (MECC) in Pacific, Missouri, and the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) in Vandalia, Missouri.

CAPS, previously University College, offers adult students the opportunity to earn a degree at WashU. The program is committed to providing an education and career pathway for St. Louis learners who have previously not had access to Washington University.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a membership community designed for curious learners aged 50+. Learners in the program can take courses, as well as participating in special interest groups, lectures and events. Membership is just $10 per year and includes about two dozen events. Course fees are modest, and scholarships are available.

As a part of WashU’s first-year student orientation, called Bear Beginnings, WashU offers “In The Lou” experiences to provide students with opportunities to explore St. Louis and immerse themselves in the rich culture and experiences that that the region has to offer.

Through this initiative, local and national employers connect with WashU’s intelligent, diverse, grounded, well-rounded talent. WashU’s Employer Relations team coordinates career fairs, networking events, information sessions and road shows, and collaborates with employers to explore new and innovative recruitment and engagement strategies.

The Shaw Institute for Field Training (SIFT) program is an introductory training program designed to engage St. Louis 10th-12th graders in scientific exploration of the natural world, in collaboration with Shaw Nature Reserve. The program provides virtual and in-person training. Students are able paid and given transportation to these sites. Opportunities include species management, habitat restoration, and plant and animal inventories.

The SEEDS program engages students from marginalized and underrepresented communities in opportunities and experiences for ecological and environmental sciences. Most of the chapter and leaders come from WashU. Students involved in the program build community and understanding with other marginalized groups.

The Washington University Libraries are a network of academic resources featuring nine libraries (seven locations on the Danforth Campus, one at West Campus, and one at the Medical School); vast print and electronic collections; and expert librarians whose first priority is helping students and faculty find the information they need. Libraries and exhibits are open to the public.

In this course from Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship at WashU, students pursue their own business idea or support community entrepreneurs. They work in the St. Louis area to create a program that caters to individuals mostly in the St. Louis area. Over half of the ventures launched have taken place in the St. Louis area with over two-thirds of the program still taking place. They have created over a hundred jobs in the St. Louis area.