Community service is a natural part of life at Washington University; it’s something approximately 75% our students do. The Community Service Office connects students to service opportunities and helps them find ways to give back to the surrounding community.

Below is just a sample of the many community service opportunities available to Washington University students:

Dance Marathon
Dance Marathon is a 12-hour dance-a-thon that raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network of Greater St. Louis. The event includes dancing, fun, games, and themes throughout the night. Students, faculty, and community members alike join together in support of the cause and spend a fun-filled day in the Recreational Gym of the Athletic complex to raise money and awareness in support of a great cause.

Relay for Life
Washington University students and faculty, along with St. Louis community members, support the annual Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Participants walk, run, and jog the night away as teams honor cancer survivors and raise money to help save lives.

Mr. Wash. U.
Mr. Wash. U. is a pageant-style show in which undergraduate men compete for the Mr. Wash. U. crown. Students are judged on personality, character, and extracurricular involvement (as well as a dance routine) in order to select the contestant who truly exemplifies the Washington University spirit. The money raised goes to City Faces, a local charity which offers art classes to underprivileged youth in St. Louis.

Campus Y
The Campus Y is the oldest and largest student-run community service organization on campus. The Campus Y is a branch of the YMCA of Greater St. Louis and focuses on leadership and service. Students can get involved in diverse community service activities such as tutoring and mentoring, after-school programs, advocacy, and more. Check out their website for a full list of programs.

Habitat for Humanity
Washington University’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity works alongside the St. Louis Habitat for Humanity to build homes for those in need in the community. The campus chapter also works to raise funds for the greater Habitat for Humanity program and awareness about issues of affordable housing.

Engineers without Borders
Washington University’s Engineers without Borders is part of a global organization that partners with developing communities to improve their quality of life. Students can expand their knowledge and make an impact on the world while implementing environmentally sustainable engineering projects in a variety of communities around the world.