Campus & Community

Washington University in St. Louis will receive a $650,000 grant for a collaborative community project focused on improving economic mobility for Black youth in the St. Louis area.

Bettina Drake will be the inaugural faculty director of the St. Louis Confluence Collaborative for Community-Engaged Research, Teaching and Practice, effective July 1, Provost Beverly Wendland announced.

Washington University in St. Louis has announced the 11th cohort of the College Prep Program, a free multi-year program that prepares first-generation, limited-income students for college. This summer, the new cohort of 37 rising high school sophomores will engage in two weeks of on-campus academic and social programming.

The School of Continuing & Professional Studies Prison Education Project held its first commencement May 16 at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia, Mo. The ceremony followed a May 15 commencement, the project’s third, at the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center for men in Pacific.

Brown School students in the “Community Development Practice” class engaged with community partners and contributed to projects in pedestrian safety, neighborhood planning and public safety to improve neighborhoods in south St. Louis.

The Sam Fox School, the Green City Coalition and Peace Park Partners are seeking volunteers to help plant native perennials from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Peace Park in St. Louis’ College Hill neighborhood.

In a bid to improve sexual health and reduce health disparities in the St. Louis area, Washington University infectious diseases physicians are expanding testing and treatment services for sexually transmitted infections in north St. Louis County.

As part of ongoing efforts to prioritize its role and impact in St. Louis, Washington University in St. Louis for the first time will present the free Twilight Thursdays concert series in May at the Missouri History Museum.

Thurtene Carnival organizers are infusing new life into Washington University’s oldest tradition. This year’s fair, which takes place Friday through Sunday, April 19-21, near Francis Olympic Field, will feature a reimagined stage, new attractions and a fresh take on fair favorites. Highlights include custom-made funnel cakes with chocolate sauce, a thrift shop hosted by Strike Magazine and a medieval castle where campus bands and a cappella acts will perform.

In her work with local organizations to promote health and wellness in the St. Louis region, Diana Parra Perez sees the power of solidarity.