For many students, the fall 2021 semester marked the long-awaited return to campus and to a greater sense of normalcy since the unprecedented arrival of COVID-19. For Civic Scholars, this term provided the opportunity to resume off-campus learning experiences through the annual immersion trip. However, this year there was a slight twist: for the first time in program history, the Civic Scholars immersion trip was facilitated in Kansas City, MO.
Through the framework “The Public Narrative of Missouri’s Urban Centers,” Civic Scholars deepened their understanding of local civic issues and the variety of roles they can play as engaged citizens. Students in the 2022 and 2023 cohorts learned about the history of the city, its challenges and opportunities, as well as the impact of economic development projects from local residents, university faculty, civic scholar alumni, elected officials, and media representatives.
One of the many highlights included a surprise visit from Washington University Alumni, Mayor Quinton Lucas, AB ’06, at City Hall.
“I can genuinely say,” noted senior and Stern Family Civic Scholar Emily Angstreich, “this has been the best/most enriching fall breaks of my time.”