School or Unit

Combining lessons from areas such as economics, business, medicine, public policy, social work, and sociology, the Social Policy Institute (SPI) at Washington University provides a systems-level understanding of policy problems and promotes systems-level solutions.

The Institute aims to build upon existing international collaborations and establish new partnerships, further enhancing Washington University’s reputation as a global research leader. SPI values the robust array of its partnerships—ranging from local St. Louis nonprofits, to national government agencies in the U.S. and abroad, to corporations that affect the daily lives of people in communities.

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.

The St. Louis Entrepreneurial Fellowship program gives WashU undergrad students a chance to explore entrepreneurship at WashU and in St. Louis. The program requires students to take a course as they engage in innovation and entrepreneurship in St. Louis. In the summer, students participate in an internship at a St. Louis-based startup and record what they have learned. Students are required to implement a capstone project aimed at identifying and addressing a perceived gap in the St. Louis entrepreneurial ecosystem.

IdeaBounce® is an online platform and event from the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship where anyone in St. Louis can pitch an idea, get feedback, and network with other entrepreneurs and innovators.

The Midwest Climate Collaborative (MCC) is a cross-sector network with a vision of a carbon neutral, climate resilient, interconnected Midwest region. It amplifies climate successes, connects organizations across sectors and communities, and builds capacity for collective action on climate. The MCC does this by sharing knowledge, supporting climate research, and pursuing federal and private funds.