The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement was founded to uplift Washington University’s commitment to the civic mission of higher education.
Interested in joining the team? Explore our jobs and internships.
Established in 2005, the Gephardt Institute was envisioned as an “action tank” for engaged citizenship. More than 19 years later, the Gephardt Institute has become Washington University’s standard-bearer for civic engagement.
Our work is led by a dedicated team of professional staff, adjunct faculty, and WashU students in internship and fellowship positions that support the Institute’s strategic priorities: Engage St. Louis, Engage Democracy, and Lead Change.
Our Commitment to Equity
“At Washington University, we welcome difference on our campus in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, geography, socioeconomic status, age, political views, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and veteran status. This is central to our mission as we continue to prepare values-oriented, compassionate individuals to be productive leaders in a global and rapidly changing society. These are not just ideals; they are competitive advantages and a central part of our relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Chancellor Andrew D. Martin
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community committed to contributing to an inclusive environment—to foster respect for and welcome all people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We encourage applications from individuals with a commitment to these values, and to the Gephardt Institute’s core values of Inquiry, Empathy, Collaboration, Integrity, Equity, and Action.
Learn more about the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
Open Internship Opportunities
The Gephardt Institute employs a range of student staff including undergraduate coordinators, graduate assistants, and graduate fellows who fulfill essential roles and benefit from substantive professional and personal development.
Learn more about our internship program. Positions below are still open and applications will be accepted until they are filled.
Graduate Assistant for Community Engagement
This role will assist with the operations and logistics of various community-facing programming opportunities for WashU students, with a primary focus on the St. Louis Fellows Program. The assistant will work with Gephardt staff to plan logistics for several key events, such as St. Louis-based immersion experiences, retreats, community events, and student presentations. This role is paid with a minimum of 10 to 15 hours per week during Spring and Summer 2025, and the option to renew for the 2025-2026 academic year. The ideal candidate will be able to commit to the role through May 2026.
To see all current undergrad and graduate/professional internship opportunities and to apply, visit our application page.
For questions about internship opportunities, please email Sonia Sequeira, Director of Programs and Operations: soniasequeira@wustl.edu .
Open Career Opportunities
Essential to every aspect of the university’s mission, Washington University employees enrich students’ learning experiences, discover and build knowledge, advance health, save lives, and support excellence in all that we do.
Open positions at the Gephardt Institute will be listed here when they become available.
About The Institute
Our Mission & Vision
We build mutually beneficial partnerships with the St. Louis community, create civic engagement opportunities for students, and prepare them to lead change wherever they live and work.
Our mission is to foster a vibrant culture of civic engagement throughout Washington University by catalyzing student learning, participation, and impact in civic life.
Our Values
The following values guide the Gephardt Institute as an organization and serve as a shared compass for civic and community engagement at Washington University. Although each value can function independently, they are intentionally organized as a continuous cycle that starts with inquiry and empathy before ultimately arriving at action—mirroring the process of engagement.
| Inquiry | We believe that humility, intellectual curiosity, and reasoning form the foundation of informed and responsible civic engagement. |
| Empathy | We believe that seeking and considering multiple perspectives transforms how individuals and communities engage with one another. |
| Collaboration | We believe that partnerships are most impactful when rooted in shared goals and decision-making. |
| Integrity | We believe that upholding ethical behavior, respecting others, and honoring commitments are cornerstones of trusting and reciprocal partnerships. |
| Equity | We believe that effective civic engagement fosters access, opportunity, and dignity for all, and addresses structural and power imbalances. |
| Action | We believe that effective civic engagement is an active process requiring courage, dedication, and participation. |
Meet Our Team
In addition to infusing civic and community engagement throughout WashU, we also enjoy exploring the many incredible culinary destinations and parks in the area.
Video: The Gephardt Legacy
Learn more about the Gephardt Institute including our founder, Congressman Dick Gephardt, our history, our priorities, and our vision for the future.