Campus & Community

In the wake of the global crisis set into motion by COVID-19, extraordinary actions were put into place involving almost every aspect of Washington University life, including remote learning, working — and living.

The 2020 U.S. census starts soon, and the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement wants to make sure every student at Washington University in St. Louis is counted. A new website explains how the census works and dispels some common myths. 

Incomes in St. Louis are rising — for white residents. Development is booming — in the central corridor. And the population is rising — in select neighborhoods. “It really is a tale of two cities,” said Henry S. Webber, executive vice chancellor. At the Day of Dialogue & Action on Wednesday, Feb. 19, Webber and Chancellor Andrew D. Martin will ask participants for their ideas about ways to improve the region.

The Mastercard Impact Fund recently awarded the  Social Policy Institute (SPI) at Washington University in St. Louis a three-year, $1.5 million grant. Mastercard’s founding partnership of the SPI will further strengthen the institute’s ability to use research and data science to impact social policy and to promote inclusive growth in the St. Louis community and beyond.

George Bauer and Robert O’Loughlin revive one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, St. Louis Union Station, anchoring it with a beautifully restored Grand Hall, stunning new aquarium and 200-foot-tall lighted Ferris wheel.

To the 80,000 parents — um, make that students — who will compete in the upcoming St. Louis Science Fair, Washington University in St. Louis senior Sam Martorana offers this advice: Follow your passion, not the rubric. 

Training, and retaining, tech talent is essential to St. Louis’ continued economic growth. A new partnership between Washington University in St. Louis and the nonprofit organization LaunchCode makes the transition from apprentice to full-time employee at the university easier for LaunchCode graduates.

A new fellowship for Washington University undergraduates further deepens the university’s commitment to educating and preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs. The program, offered by the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship, will directly connect students to, and immerse them in, the St. Louis startup scene.

On Dec. 12, 707 high school seniors opened their inboxes to learn that they had been accepted early decision to Washington University in St. Louis. But Zussy Chavira Duron of St. Louis got the good news straight from a team of Washington University leaders and the WashU Bear, who traveled to the College Bound St. Louis office to surprise her with an acceptance letter and a full WashU Pledge scholarship.

Stagnant scores, frustrated students, daunted educators — such is the state of math education across the nation and in the region. That’s why the Institute for School Partnership at Washington University in St. Louis is introducing Math314, an innovative program that will improve math instruction and boost students’ enthusiasm for the subject.