Meaningful civic action goes beyond hands-on work, challenging us to think critically and compassionately. For students looking to profoundly expand their impact, student-led service trips provide transformative experiences, bring deeper understanding of social issues and catalyze their futures as civic agents.
Service Trips involve a group of students who immerse in a community outside of Washington University, typically for 3-14 days, and to engage in direct service addressing a particular social issue. Students educate themselves and each other through pre-trip trainings and partner with relevant organizations and community leaders to immerse themselves in specific community issues. During their trip, students serve and reflect with the community in order to understand the local culture, reduce the negative effects of the social issue, and empower the community to lead their own progress.
The Gephardt Institute provides training, consultation, and advising for trip leaders and participants on topics including recruitment, team development, cross-cultural education, safety and risk management, fundraising, trip development and preparation, and sustainable partnerships. We manage emergency contact and travel information and offer need-based funding.
