The In St. Louis, For St. Louis Initiative is an institution-wide commitment that draws upon our strength as an economic anchor, our role as a global talent magnet, and the power of our mission of research, education, and patient care to create real, lasting impact and opportunity in St. Louis and beyond.
Marquee accomplishments through 2025
Established structure and realized outcomes
Chancellor Andrew D. Martin first introduced “In St. Louis, For St. Louis” in his 2019 inaugural address, calling on WashU to not only be in St. Louis but for St. Louis. Since then, the initiative has grown from a vision into a university-wide framework that connects our mission, talent and role as an economic anchor to community priorities.
Through this work, WashU is strengthening partnerships across the region — listening to and collaborating with local leaders, organizations, and residents to improve quality of life and the vitality of our region.
Through 2025, the In St. Louis, For St. Louis Initiative:
- Opened the WashU Community Engagement Office at Delmar DivINe, a visible home for cross-campus anchor teams and community partners.
- Launched WashU Serves, a year-round volunteer program with the United Way of Greater St. Louis that mobilizes students, faculty, and staff in service.
- Directed university investment toward community priorities, aligning resources, sponsorships, and partnerships with efforts that contribute to educational access, economic opportunity, and healthy communities.
- Coordinated university-wide responses to urgent community needs, including WashU’s collective action following the May 16 tornado.
- Elevated storytelling and visibility, highlighting how WashU’s people and programs strengthen our region and reinforcing the university’s reputation as a trusted, reliable partner.
Together, these efforts reflect a lasting commitment to collaboration and shared progress. WashU and St. Louis have always shaped one another — and our shared future is full of possibility when we work together.
In FY24
$9.3B
for community organizations and neighborhoods
57K
jobs supported across Missouri and Illinois
$5.4M
invested directly in local nonprofits, neighborhoods, and civic initiatives
189K
students reached through the Institute for School Partnership
Expanded access and opportunity across the region
Through programs such as the WashU Pledge and Rural Scholars, the university is expanding access to higher education for students from Missouri and southern Illinois — helping more local students pursue a WashU education and contribute to the region’s future.
Advanced health and discovery for St. Louis
Recent investments on the Medical Campus, including the $616 million neuroscience research building and the new Gary C. Werths Building at Siteman Cancer Center, are strengthening St. Louis’ position as a hub for world-class research, patient care, and innovation that benefits the entire region.