School or Unit

Engineers in the Community is a community-engaged, project-based course where WashU undergraduate engineering students complete projects for community partners in St. Louis. The partners range in areas from healthcare to environmental justice to educational equity, and beyond.

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 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.

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 Practicum from the Center for Experiential Learning in 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 to be included.

The Taylor Non-Profit Practicum 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. Projects include financial/operational assessments, marketing, strategic planning, and many others.

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.

The Finance Metrics Clinic connects St. Louis startups with WashU students to provide data-driven financial consulting. Students lead and work on these projects for 6-8 weeks.

The Growth Marketing Practicum connects students with innovative and emerging brands to address real growth challenges related to customer acquisition, retention, positioning, and performance. Students learn to decide what to measure, interpret results, and connect marketing activity to business outcomes under real constraints.