The Goldman Fellows Program, funded by the Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation, provides undergraduate students with a distinctive cohort environment and nonprofit and public service career experience. Participants secure unpaid summer internships in the St. Louis region and receive $5,000 summer stipends to cover living expenses. Eleni Andris, a rising junior double majoring in […]
Over the course of the summer, Gephardt Institute staff members have reorganized and reallocated storage spaces associated with building renovations and office moves. While inventorying materials and supplies, we identified an opportunity to “upcycle” and find a new use for items that had been in storage since the Service First program was discontinued and Meet […]
Ryan Paige’ 17 reflects on her path to WashU and lessons learned on effective community engagement. Ryan graduated with a degree in Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies from the College of Arts & Sciences. As a Gephardt Institute student intern, Ryan coordinated our Each One Teach One mentoring partnership with College Bound and has also held […]
“In 2016, the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement at Washington University in St. Louis quadrupled its voter registrations compared to their tally in 2012… WashU takes political and civic engagement seriously all year.” Democracy Works recently featured WashU’s event-filled campaign season as an example of a successful strategy used to implement TurboVote and increase voter […]
Congratulations to Mason Herleth and Jacob Metz, the 2017-18 St. Louis Urban Fellows. The St. Louis Urban Fellows Program is a signature initiative of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement that supports recent college graduates with a passion for public service. Mason and Jacob will work full-time in St. Louis City Hall on substantive […]
In early June, the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement welcomed six summer interns to the team. Seth Coven, Jennie Greenstein, and Jocelyn Meraz are undergraduate students; Casey Knotts is a Master’s Research Fellow; and Jacob Metz and Emma Riley are recent graduates of Washington University. This group of highly talented and civic-minded individuals […]
Alumnus Steve Frappier (MLA in ’06, concentration in American culture studies; BA in ’00, Russian and art history & archaeology) reflected on his background and developing role as citizen-activist at a Gephardt Institute brunch for graduating students dedicated to civic and community engagement. Frappier is Director of College Counseling at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia. […]
The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement recently honored senior Civic Scholars during a special graduation toast. Over the past two years, the Civic Scholars Class of 2017 completed four semesters of academic course work, received multiple levels of mentorship, and developed substantial summer civic engagement projects. Like the 28 alumni Civic Scholars who have come before […]
The Gephardt Institute is advancing a bold vision to enhance a civic culture at Washington University. The Civic Engagement Fund is a critical tool that supports members of the WashU campus who seek to strengthen the social fabric of our communities. In the 2016-2017 academic year, the fund awarded 41 projects and more than $55,000 […]
Congratulations to Crystal Ellis, recipient of the Newman Civic Fellowship. Crystal is a first year graduate student at Washington University, working towards a Master of Public Health at the Brown School. She combines research, policy change, service to community, and advocacy as a multi-tiered approach to implement social change and strive for racial justice. Currently, […]
Stephanie Kurtzman, Peter Sortino Director of the Gephardt Institute, and Cara Johnson, Assistant Director for Student Engagement and Service, recently co-authored a NASPA Lead Initiative blog post on the Gephardt Institute’s approach to service and civic learning, using our Meet St. Louis program as a case study. Read the full post here.
Stephanie Kurtzman has been named the Peter G. Sortino Director of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement. Stephanie will lead our team in advancing civic engagement at Washington University, cultivating informed and actively engaged citizens who contribute to strong communities in St. Louis and around the world. Read the full announcement via The Source.
The Civic Scholars Program, comprising four semesters of academic course work, combines self-exploration, peer relationship building, and experiential education to lead students to a deeper understanding of themselves and their roles as civic agents. Sophomores are selected through a competitive merit-based process and learn together through their junior and senior years. The program includes two years of […]
Stern Family Civic Scholar Lucy Chin ‘17 reflects on the impact of Gephardt Institute programs throughout her four years at Washington University. In addition to her participation in the Civic Scholars Program, Lucy has led a service trip to Memphis and has interned with the institute to coordinate Meet St. Louis and Hawthorn InvestiGirls. The Gephardt Institute for Civic and […]
Over spring break, fourteen Washington University students chose to stay in the St. Louis area and participate in Urban Immersion, an intensive five-day service trip exploring poverty, socioeconomic disparity, community relationships, neighborhood culture, and St. Louis history. In collaboration with Gephardt Institute staff and community partners, participants engaged in one of two trip options; one […]
The political rise of Donald Trump, and his ascendancy into the presidency, represents one of the most surprising and contentious events in American history. Civic education and engagement are increasingly critical as individuals and communities consider their role in the democratic process. On March 9, the Gephardt Institute collaborated with a team of faculty to offer […]
Congratulations to the 2017 Goldman Fellows! The Goldman Fellows Program, funded by the Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation, is a competitive fellowship providing undergraduate students with a $5,000 summer stipend for a community-based internship in St. Louis, a distinctive cohort experience, and exposure to St. Louis culture, neighborhoods, and issues. Fellows will spend the […]
K-12 Connections is a partnership of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement, the Institute for School Partnership, and the Office of Government and Community Relations. It connects the Washington University community with volunteer opportunities involving high-needs urban school districts in the St. Louis area, primarily through classroom field trips to campus for enrichment experiences and exposure to college […]
On April 19, over 150 colleagues, friends, and loved ones came together to celebrate five members of the Washington University community for their commitment to service and giving in the St. Louis region. Honorees received the Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award. The Virgils epitomize the qualities exemplified by the award and have been integral […]
The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement is advancing a bold vision to enhance a civic culture at Washington University. The Civic Engagement Fund is a critical tool that supports students, faculty, and staff who seek to strengthen the social fabric of our communities. In the 2015-2016 academic year, the Civic Engagement Fund awarded […]
Communities across the nation are facing pressing challenges. Now, more than ever, it is important to embolden students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to positive change. Many are seeking to better understand the deep divisions impacting the country and movements to address equity and justice. Over 600 student leaders, higher education representatives, and nonprofit professionals […]
2017 Civic Scholar Yaala Muller reflects on what she has learned over the past four years at WashU, and the Gephardt Institute’s role in that process. As I reflect on my experience at Washington University and with the Gephardt Institute, a question continues to buzz around in my head: the question of what gives me […]
For the first time in 16 years, St. Louis City voters will not see Francis Slay’s name on the ballot for the mayoral election. Mayor Slay’s announcement in April 2016 that he would not seek reelection has opened the door for a hotly debated election process. In the wake of primary elections on March 7, the mayoral […]
As a 2016 Goldman Fellow, Nicola Salzman had the opportunity to work with the St. Louis Public School District (SLPS) while engaging with other undergraduate students and exploring the St. Louis region. The Goldman Fellows Program, funded by the Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation, provides undergraduate students with a distinctive cohort environment and non-profit and public service career […]
Washington University in St. Louis has been nationally recognized as a Voter Friendly Campus. Following a competitive application process, 83 universities received the designation, which recognizes campuses doing excellent work to empower their students to participate in the democratic process. The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement is responsible for overseeing the voter registration, compliance, and engagement processes for students […]
A recent story by Student Life covered the “What’s at Stake in the St. Louis City Election” event co-hosted by the Gephardt Institute and the Clark-Fox Policy Institute held on February 24, 2017. Local political and business leaders came together to talk about key issues and opportunities that the new mayor will face in the next […]
2016 Civic Scholar Carrick Reddin shares his reflections on the role of mentorship and community while at WashU and now as a citizen of St. Louis. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” […]
Civic Scholar Laken Sylvander ‘17 joined research manager Matthew Bakko to represent Washington University in Beijing at the University Social Responsibility Network Summit and the Beijing Forum. When I was informed I was selected to serve as the WashU student representative to travel to Beijing and present at the University Social Responsibility Network Summit, I […]
The Gephardt Institute is advancing a bold vision to enhance a civic culture at Washington University, and the Civic Engagement Fund is a critical tool that supports members of the WashU campus community who seek to strengthen the social fabric of our communities. In the 2015-16 academic year, the fund awarded more than $75,000 to […]
Cassie Klosterman served as the Gephardt Institute’s first Voter Engagement Fellow. Beginning her role in her final semester at WashU, Cassie led campus voter registration efforts through the November election. Cassie mobilized a team of students to register over 3,600 new voters on campus. Here she reflects on her experiences before embarking on a new journey […]
Election Day is fast approaching. The Gephardt Institute encourages you to have a plan. Make sure you: Know what’s on the ballot! Visit Vote 411 for a guide. You can’t look at your phone in the polling place so use scrap paper for notes. Know where your polling place is! Go to the Missouri Secretary […]
If you ask Molly Metzger why she is so passionate about improving racial equity in housing and economic development, she says “The inequality we have created through decades of public policy is simply unacceptable. We need justice for practices like redlining, restrictive covenants, and other forms of institutionalized discrimination.” Dr. Metzger began her journey as […]
During this tumultuous presidential campaign, it is commonplace to hear people mourn for bipartisanship and civil discourse. Attendees at a recent REAL Talks Atlanta forum featuring Congressman Dick Gephardt and Speaker Newt Gingrich were treated to two political giants sharing stories of hard-fought battles, compromise, and a peaceful transfer of power. The Gephardt Institute was […]
Voter engagement efforts registered a record 3,608 students.
As the candidates leave campus, the fences come down, and the roads re-open, it is important to remember the larger purpose behind all of the exciting events associated with the Presidential Debate hosted at WashU – the upcoming election on November 8th. In addition to voting for the next President of the United States, there […]
Matthew Bakko, Research Manager and Instructional Specialist, visited the University of Manchester in July 2016 as part of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement’s membership in the University Social Responsibility Network.
Building on a legacy of generous support to Washington University, business and civic leaders Maxine Clark and Bob Fox are providing $540,000 to advance the efforts of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement and its Civic Scholars Program.
This 2016 election cycle provides an exciting opportunity to launch a new voter engagement strategy for WashU, as the upcoming presidential debate at WashU and long publicized election have created a surge of interest in political engagement across campus.
The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement is excited to announce the re-launch of a new and improved Community Counts. Each year the Gephardt Institute collects data about Washington University’s collective civic engagement, community service and outreach, philanthropy, and engaged teaching and research. This information is used to gauge the scope and depth of […]
Rachel Sumption, AB Islamic Studies ’16, has connected WU tutors with St. Louis charter schools as our Each One Teach One Coordinator, and explored a lifetime of advocacy as a Civic Scholar. Here, she reflects on her experience with the Gephardt Institute weeks before traveling to Rabat, Morocco as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. By […]
The Gephardt Institute partnered with Operation Food Search to lead the 6th annual PB&Joy University-Wide Food Drive this spring, collecting 21,546 pounds of food (that’s over 10 tons!) and $11,782.80 to support Operation Food Search’s mission to the heal the hurt of hunger. Students, faculty, and staff from the Danforth Campus and the Medical Campus were […]
We are delighted to welcome three new staff members, each of whom will advance our mission to cultivate informed and actively engaged citizens.
Events in Washington, D.C. in Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Institute
Support from National Council member Matt Seiden and his wife Wendi Weill has far-reaching impact.
Just Do It! Courses Provide Students with the Fundamentals of Political Engagement
Emily Mueller, AB’16, reflects on her experience with the institute as its Blood Drive Coordinator.
The Civic Scholars Program Class of 2016 reflects on their two years as scholars.
Community Engagement Faculty Fellow Beth Martin discusses her efforts to support community engaged teaching on campus.
Students led an immersion trip to Memphis, TN to peel back layers of community to understand social issues surrounding civil rights, diversity, and inclusion.
Students explore the parallels between Challenger disaster and Ferguson crisis during a unique class.