Community

Creating a safe, respectful environment for all

Our Pre-College Community

When we are part of a thriving community, we feel a sense of kinship, camaraderie and connectedness. This is why our programs offer so much more than an academic experience. They are opportunities for you to connect with peers from across the country and around the world, discover what it means to be part of a community, and learn to embrace differences. Our programs create spaces for you to ask questions, make mistakes, try new things and learn in a supportive environment. 

By deciding to attend one of our programs, you commit to maintaining the highest academic and social standards. As a member of our community, you are expected to make a positive contribution by acting responsibly and by respecting the rights of other participants, faculty, and staff. Expectations are outlined in our Code of Conduct.

Through our positive, collaborative community, you can expect to:

  • Understand the importance of community standards including the need for policies and procedures. 
  • Identify the role and impact of an individual within a community. 
  • Learn to be respectful of individuals who may identify differently. 
  • Gain confidence in the steps needed to resolve group conflict. 

Building Community

Here are some of the ways we build our pre-college community.

Social Activities

Through fun and interactive social activities, our participants get to know each other and create memorable experiences. Activities include trivia, movie nights, crafts, board games, and scavenger hunts. 

Weekly Group Meetings

Weekly group meetings provide an opportunity to meet in small groups to discuss upcoming events, activities, and to share important announcements. Led by our program assistants, these groups also provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions and address community concerns.

Saturday Outings

Saturday outings are designed to introduce participants to the vibrant city of St. Louis through the many exciting sights and festivals our city has to offer. Some of the most popular St. Louis area destinations include the St. Louis Zoo, Union Station, and the Delmar Loop.

Service Project

WashU is a service-oriented community. We spend our free time volunteering and giving back to not just our St. Louis community, but communities around the world through a variety of campus organizations and departments. Each summer we organize a service project for our pre-college participants to participate in and learn the importance of giving back to a community. 

These past few weeks at Washington University have been both a fun and eye-opening experience. I’ve had the chance to experience what college life is like as well as meet with people from all over the U.S. and the world. This program has challenged me to learn how to manage my school work and yet still find time to explore what St. Louis has to offer off campus. I will never forget the time I spent here!

―Isabellarising junior from Phoenix, Arizona