The WashU College Prep Program is a four-year commitment that begins the summer after a student’s first year of high school and continues through their first year of college.
Three Summer Academy experiences on WashU’s campus anchor the program; the first and second experiences are held during the day for two weeks, while the third is residential, students live on campus for three weeks. Various weekend programs occur throughout the school year, which range from scholarship and financial aid workshops and ACT test prep sessions to college trips and local social and cultural opportunities. During their four years in the College Prep Program, students gain significant academic knowledge and experience, form bonds with their fellow scholars, and gain a greater understanding of college life.
We are committed to expanding opportunities for St. Louis scholars.
Our mission
Our mission is to close opportunity gaps for our scholars and empower them to access and succeed in higher education. Through mentorship, personal and leadership development, and exposure to opportunities, scholars have the foundation to reach their full potential.
Our vision
Our vision is a future where prospective first-generation college students from limited-income families in the St. Louis region—regardless of their community, background, or lived experiences—have the support, community, confidence, and resources they need to pursue higher education and thrive.
Our values
Community
We foster a network of support and collaboration, and uphold the highest standards for respect, responsibility, and active engagement. We work to build a positive, diverse, and welcoming environment where lasting relationships helps everyone succeed and feel connected.
Learning
We offer a learning environment with a blend of academic and enrichment sessions, including WashU credit-bearing courses. We provide our scholars opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, team building, and other essential life skills to help them excel in the classroom and beyond.
Opportunity
We are committed to the growth and success of our scholars. We provide them with tools, resources, and enrichment experiences that help them excel socially, academically, and personally.
College Prep Program Scholars expand their knowledge and engage in:
| Social, emotional, and cultural learning | |
| Team building and experiential learning | |
| Public speaking/presentation support | |
| Writing preparation | |
| ACT prep | |
| Career exploration | |
| Civic engagement activities | |
| College entrance essay support | |
| Exploration of college programs | |
| College admissions processes | |
| FAFSA literacy | |
| College coursework for credit | |
| Resume building |
In the news
Ten College Prep Program grads secure spots at WashU with $820,000 in aid.