Saint Louis University's Center for Social Action offers numerous signature programs throughout the year for SLU students, faculty and staff to become more meaningfully involved in the community.
1818 Community Engagement Grant Program
What impact could your group have on the community with $1,800? The 1818 Community Engagement Grant Program celebrates the over 200-year history of SLU giving back to the St. Louis community. Eighteen grants of $1,800 each are given to selected applicants to make a positive impact in the community in partnership with a local nonprofit organization.
2024-2025 Winners
The winners of the 2024-2025 cycle are below. This year, the 1818 Community Engagement Grant program received a record 68 applications.
Awardees will present a poster on their impact at the annual Community Engagement Showcase at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 1, in the Center for Global Citizenship.
Advocacy in Action: Winter Necessity Kits for the Magdala House Foundation
Magdala House Foundation, Saint Louis University Department of Psychology鈥檚 Social Justice Group (SJG)
This project, in partnership with Magdala House Foundation, will use grant funds to create "winter kits" with essentials like gloves, hats, socks, and toiletries for their clients. SJG will also host a coat drive at SLU, collecting gently used jackets for donation alongside the kits.
Alzheimer Awareness in all Ages
Alzheimer鈥檚 Association, St. Louis Chapter; memory and aging clinic, provided by the Saint Louis University Medical Family Therapy Program; SLU Department of Psychology; Sunrise Memory Care, Dementia Memory Care St. Louis; Allegro in Richmond Heights Alzheimer's & Dementia Care; Loyola Academy; St. Louis University High School, Cardinal Ritter College Prep
This project focuses on engaging Alzheimer鈥檚 and dementia patients in nursing centers to reduce loneliness and on educating young students about neurodegenerative diseases. SLU students will connect with patients to enrich their lives, while also raising awareness and inspiring the next generation of scientists to explore these conditions.
Asylum Clinics
St. Francis Community Services Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry; Saint Louis University School of Law Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; the SLU Department of Spanish; Professor Pablo Seward Delaporte; The Immigrant Service Providers Network (ISPN), all immigrant service providers in the region
The Human Rights at Home Litigation Clinic at Saint Louis University Law and St. Francis Community Services holds periodic asylum clinics to help local asylum seekers complete applications before their one-year deadline, offering free services including application assistance, an asylum-information session and therapy.
Beyond the Page: Poetry Club for Kids
Saint Louis Poetry Center; PoeticUs; One World; Ferguson-Florissant School District
Poetic Us, a poetry club celebrating diverse voices, plans to organize poetry writing
workshops for Halls Ferry Elementary students in the Ferguson-Florissant School
District. Students will create personalized poetry notebooks, write their own poems,
and
share their work in a showcase. One World Magazine will also feature the project in
their
spring issue.
Bilingual Science Night at St. Cecilia School and Academy
St. Cecilia Elementary School; Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA); Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI); Dermatology Interest Group; Practical Anatomy and Surgical Education (PASE); the Center for Anatomical Science and Education (CASE); Stop the Bleed Campaign
Bilingual Science Night at St. Cecilia School and Academy is a community event designed
to inspire Latinx students and families to explore STEM and healthcare careers. Featuring
bilingual, hands-on activities in science and medicine 鈥� such as Stop the Bleed, gun
safety, and anatomy lessons 鈥� the event promotes early STEM exposure and addresses
educational disparities. Conducted in both English and Spanish, it fosters curiosity,
confidence, and culturally competent education through collaboration with
campus organizations and local partners.
Days for Girls: Empowering Menstruators in Juvenile Detention
SLU Billikens Against Cancer; LifeWise STL; Days for Girls; St. Louis County Family Court Family Juvenile Office
A 2019 study by Saint Louis University revealed that two-thirds of low-income women
in St. Louis cannot afford menstrual hygiene products, with 46% forced to choose between
food and period supplies. Days for Girls (DfG) SLU is partnering with the St. Louis
County Family Court to address the menstrual health needs of adolescents in juvenile
detention centers, where access to hygiene products is often severely limited. They
will assemble and donate menstrual hygiene kits, providing practical support and
empowerment to these individuals, while advocating for better menstrual health policies
and raising awareness around menstrual equity.
Empowering Young Students with Python, AI and Analytics
Al Manara Academy; Saint Louis University College of Arts and Sciences; SLU School of Science and Engineering; schools in the St. Louis community
This hands-on program teaches students coding, AI applications, and game development using Python through interactive workshops and real-world projects. Emphasizing creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking, the initiative makes coding accessible and enjoyable for students from diverse, predominantly immigrant backgrounds.
Exercise Driven Group Empowerment (EDGE)
Almost Home
The Exercise Driven Group Empowerment (EDGE) program supports the mental and physical well-being of young mothers facing homelessness by connecting SLU health care students with residents at Almost Home. EDGE offers weekly workout classes with child care, monthly walk clubs, and seasonal wellness events, achieving over 90% attendance. The initiative also plans to include yoga, meditation and mentorship opportunities for mothers interested in health care careers, advancing Almost Home's mission of empowerment.
Feeding Resilient Families
St. Louis Crisis Nursery; Propel Kitchen; Saint Louis University School of Social Work
"Feeding Resilient Families" is a SLU School of Social Work initiative addressing
food insecurity among families at risk for child abuse and neglect in St. Louis. Partnering
with the Crisis Nursery and Propel Kitchen, the program will provide eight families
with two nutritious, ready-to-heat dinners weekly for five weeks. Propel Kitchen,
a Black and Brown-led nonprofit, will prepare meals, costing $22 per meal for a family
of four. Social work students at Crisis Nursery will lead the project, aiming to ease
food insecurity stress, support family stability, and promote healthier lifestyles
while strengthening local food
enterprises.
Fostering Play: An Interprofessional Approach to Increase Access to Adapted Toys for Children with Disabilities
Capable Kids and Families Program at St. Louis Arc; SLU Deprtment of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy; SLU Department of Physical Therapy; SLU Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; SLU Center for Additive Manufacturing
Play is a fundamental human right for all children and essential to the development
of motor, social-emotional and cognitive skills. Children with disabilities have less
access to toys to promote development than nondisabled peers. A common toy for children
with disabilities is a switch-operated toy. The 1818 Grant will fund a community-training
event led by SLU's Switched Adapted Toy Chapter, where PT, OT, and SLP students will
teach participants how to convert standard toys into switch-adapted versions for children
with disabilities. This initiative makes adaptive toys more affordable, benefiting
local families
and professionals.
Hope in the Ville Orchard
God鈥檚 Helping Hand; Sumner High School; Antioch Baptist Church; SLU College of Public Health and Social Justice; SLU Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
The Hope in The Ville Orchard project will establish a diverse fruit orchard to complement an existing community garden, expanding access to fresh produce for local residents. Partnering with Antioch Baptist Church鈥檚 food-pantry services, the orchard will grow fruits like apples, peaches, pecans and blackberries, providing a sustainable, long-term source of nutritious food. This initiative promotes food security, environmental stewardship and community engagement, aiming to improve residents' health while strengthening connections to local food systems.
Loyola Labyrinth Project
Loyola Academy of St. Louis; Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA); Lowry Hollow Gallery
The Loyola Labyrinth Project expands the successful "Art and Contemplation" program at Loyola Academy and SLU's Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA). This new initiative introduces active experiential learning, including the use of a portable labyrinth at MOCRA to promote mindfulness through walking meditation. Middle school students will also participate in an art competition hosted by Lowry Hollow gallery, creating labyrinth-themed artwork. The program aims to enhance students' attention and mindfulness, with skills being assessed before and after their participation.
Promoting Healthy Nutrition Behaviors, Social Communication, and Mealtime Participation in a Montessori School Setting: A Holistic Approach to Mealtime Engagement
City Garden Montessori School
This project will pilot a mealtime social group for autistic preschool and kindergarten students and a parent-support group at City Garden Montessori, focusing on improving mealtime participation and parent confidence. An interprofessional team from SLU鈥檚 nutrition, speech-language, and occupational therapy departments will lead weekly student sessions and monthly parent-support groups, addressing nutrition, communication and sensory regulation.
SLU Community Empowerment Day: Where Resources Meet Family, Food and Fun
SLU School of Education, St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA)
Connects residents with essential resources in education, employment, and finances. Partnering with SLU student organizations and SLHA, the event will offer workshops, support services, and family-friendly activities to enhance community engagement and access to vital resources.
STL Youth Literacy Initiative by SLU BLSA
Saint Louis Public Schools Foundation; Peabody Elementary School; SLU School of Law, SLU Black Law Students Association
The Black Law Students Association at Saint Louis University School of Law recognizes that lower socioeconomic students often lack access to literacy resources, hindering their educational aspirations. Their STL Youth Literacy Initiative aims to foster a love for reading among elementary students by volunteering at Peabody Elementary School. In partnership with the Saint Louis Public Schools Foundation, they will provide new books and share their experiences as aspiring lawyers to empower students and encourage academic success.
The S.C.A.R.F. AED Education Initiative
The Ruth Lee Miller Heart Health Research Foundation; Delmar Divine; My Blooming Health
This project aims to collaborate with the Ruth Lee Miller Heart Health Research Foundation to educate the greater St. Louis community, particularly underserved and minority groups, about sudden cardiac death, preventive measures and AED usage. By empowering these communities with crucial life-saving skills, they aim to reduce health disparities and create advocates who can lead change in their own neighborhoods. Their project also seeks to establish an initiative that organizations in need of an AED can apply for, ensuring sustainable access to these essential devices.
The Wrongful Conviction Review Collaborative
Midwest Innocence Project (MIP); Wrongful Conviction Review Internship in CCJ; SLU School of Law, SLU Forensic Science Program
This project aims to assist the Midwest Innocence Project (MIP) in reducing the backlog of 73 St. Louis-area cases awaiting review. Students will help organize case files, identify gaps in records, and request missing documents to ensure thorough reviews. By supporting the timely review of claims of actual innocence, this project aids individuals and families affected by miscarriages of justice, while also helping to restore community trust in the legal system.
Youth Medical Exposure Program
Ferguson-Florissant School District, SLU Pre-Med, Department of Internal Medicine DEI Council
This project introduces middle school students interested in STEM to medical careers through a fun, hands-on after-school program. Sixty students selected by their teachers will participate in a free five-hour session where they explore various body systems through engaging activities, like learning to suture skin lacerations. Sponsored by our internal medicine department's DEI council, the program concludes with a graduation ceremony where students receive certificates, stethoscopes and white coats, with parents, teachers and school officials in attendance.
For questions or more information on the 1818 Community Engagement Grant Program, contact Aubra Ladd with the Center for Social Action at aubra.ladd@slu.edu.
Grant Information and Requirements
2024-2025 Grant Info Sheet (PDF)
- Groups must complete an application and submit a project budget and timeline.
- All groups must have at least one community partner as a coapplicant and include SLU students in the initiative.
- Grants must either be used to start a new community engagement program or significantly improve an existing one.
- All projects must be completed no later than May 31, 2025. All funds must be used by that date.
- All recipients will present a poster on their project at the 1818 Community Engagement Grant Showcase on May 1 in the Center for Global Citizenship.
Past Projects
Read the reports below to see the impact that previous years' grants have on the community:
Frequently Asked Questions
The grant program welcomes applications from students, as well as faculty and staff. For groups of faculty or staff, it is highly recommended that students be involved in some way with the project.
While the grant lead must be a SLU student, faculty or staff member, it is a requirement that a nonprofit organization also be a partner on the grant.
Yes, as long as it can demonstrably show a significant potential improvement in your group鈥檚 community engagement program.
No, all funds must be spent by May 31, 2024. Unused funds will be returned to the main 1818 Community Engagement Grant program and distributed the following year.
While we encourage groups to think long-term about their potential projects, groups can certainly apply for funding to create a one-time or short-term program.
Yes! Groups who receive funds this year will be encouraged to apply again for future cycles to build on their first year and will be given preference if a high degree of impact can be demonstrated in year one.
All funds must be spent on materials, services, etc. No funds can go directly to the community organization.
Groups are encouraged to think about the community organization or issue they want to impact, then approach them to collaboratively develop an idea for a grant proposal.
Potential programs could include:
- Building a playground at a local school or community center
- Implementing an after-school or weekend STEM program for youth
- Hosting a winter or spring break service/immersion trip
- Partnering with a local organization to host a health fair
- Creating a sustainable hunger-reduction program
- Organizing an advocacy campaign related to a particular social justice issue or congressional bill
The Center for Social Action staff is also available to consult on a variety of ideas and potential community partners.
Service Fairs
An easy way to learn about how you can make a difference in the community, both as a student and as an alum, is to attend our Community Engagement and Year of Service Fairs. You will be able to meet staff from dozens of groups to learn about their work and how to get involved.
Community Engagement Fair
Held each fall as part of Fall Welcome, this event brings 60+ nonprofit organizations from across the region to campus to advertise service opportunities to our students.
Year of Service Fair
In November, representatives from 25 organizations offering postgraduate service opportunities will be on campus to advertise their programs. SLU juniors and seniors are especially invited to explore the possibility of doing one or two years of service after graduation, whether here in St. Louis, around the country or across the world. Each year, nearly 75 members of the graduating class go on to participate in at least one year of service.
Participating Service Organizations
The Billiken Teacher Corps at Saint Louis University forms the next generation of Catholic school educators through service, learning, and spiritual growth in community. This program is a unique opportunity for faith-driven college graduates to have a transformative impact in underserved Catholic schools in Springfield, Illinois, and St. Louis.
BTC Fellows live the Jesuit Mission of being men and women for and with others. For two years, the members live in an intentional faith community while teaching full time and earning their Master of Arts in Teaching degree with full tuition remission. Members also earn a Missouri teaching certificate via the alternative route if they are not already certified.
engages brave leaders in life-changing service, living and accompanying those in need to build a more just and hopeful world. Volunteer for one to two years, either domestically or internationally. Live in community with other JVC volunteers. Room, board, health insurance and a monthly stipend are provided.
Similar to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, takes place specifically in the northwest region of the country, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho, with both rural and urban experiences offered.
works with local and national partners to tap the power of the American people to tackle our country's most pressing challenges. Volunteer for one year domestically. Live individually and receive a modest living allowance and an educational award.
In more than 60 countries, volunteers are putting their purpose, passion, and skills to work in partnership with welcoming host communities. Volunteer for two years internationally. Room, board, health insurance and a monthly stipend are provided.
works toward the day when every child will receive an excellent and equitable education. Volunteer to teach in a high-need public school for two years. Salary and health insurance are provided, as well as an education award upon completion of service.
Sponsored by the Jesuits of the Central and Southern Province, volunteers commit to a year of service teaching in a Jesuit middle or high school in Denver, Kansas City or St. Louis. The program offers retreats, housing, health insurance, a stipend, a community car and close ties to the school's Jesuit community.
For over 70 years (NPH) has provided a loving home to orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Bolivia, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. NPH USA screens, places, and supports U.S. volunteers (21 or older) who serve for a year or more in one of our homes. Room, board, health insurance, and a modest monthly stipend are provided.
For information on these or other programs, contact Bobby Wassel at 314-977-2041.
Advocacy and Justice Programming
Policy Pods
Policy Pods are small groups of students who engage in legislative research and meetings. Students meet weekly on topics such as criminal justice reform, immigration reform, environment, education immigration and disability rights. Toward the end of each semester, they set up legislative meetings, advocate for their positions, and host an event to educate the campus. Groups start each year by meeting with advocacy agencies to get information on their topics and celebrate with a keynote address at the end of the year. Students can receive CP2 credit for Policy Pods if they are a regular part of their group and attend a reflection with the assistant director about their experience with pods connecting to their vocation and development.
Apply to Policy Pods by Sept. 6, 2024 by clicking below, or email jessica.trout@slu.edu.
Social Justice and Advocacy Training
If you want to take your service and community engagement efforts to the next level, enroll in the Social Justice and Advocacy Training series, sponsored by the Center for Social Action in the Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement.
Spring 2025 Program Dates: Fridays from 3-5 p.m. on Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 21, and Feb. 28
Through this intensive series, accepted applicants develop skills related to working for social change at the systemic level. Students who are accepted and complete the program gain:
- The opportunity for a paid social change internship for the semester, at a community organization of their choice, for up to $1,000.
- Core credit for completing Cura Personalis 2 (CORE 2500) through attending a majority of the sessions.
- A letter from the vice president of diversity and innovative community engagement, along with a certificate of completion from the trainers.
- The tools, skills and knowledge necessary to work for social justice.
Social Action Trip.
Social Action Trips
The Social Action Program offers justice-based experiential learning and advocacy. During the Spring Semester, teams of 10-12 engage in weekly education and community building activities with local partners. Students attend a Spring Break Trip and follow up with action planning meetings.
Trips will begin to rotate in 2026, while both will run in 2025. We go to the US-Mexico Border with an immigration focus and New Orleans with an LGBTQIA+ focus.
Students must be available to attend already set pre- and post-trip
meetings. The cost is $200-250 per person. Applications are due Nov. 1, 2024 with
deposits due Nov. 17. Undergraduate students are prioritized.
Full completion of the program and trip counts for Reflection in Action Credit.