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Real World Immersion

The William L. Clay, Sr. Institute of Civic Engagement and Economic Justice at Saint Louis University offers opportunities for SLU students to immerse themselves in off-campus experiences related to social action and legislative advocacy at the local, state and federal levels.

Student meet with legislators in Jefferson City.
 

Civic Immersion - Washington, D.C.

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.

Spring 2026 Immersion: Washington D.C.

Students must be available to attend already-set pre- and post-trip meetings. The cost is $250-3000 per person. Applications will be available later this semester.

Contact Nia Duke, Program Coordinator for the Clay Institute, with questions.

Full completion of the program and trip counts for Reflection in Action Credit.

Jefferson City and St. Louis Board of Aldermen

Annually, students are invited to attend trips to Jefferson City and St. Louis Board of Aldermen to experience policy in action. Students are encouraged to speak with legislators on topics important to them and can always prepare their own day by making meetings and bringing a researched topic. If students do not want to prepare their day, there are also opportunities to follow along with a local agency or SLU group to observe. 

2025-2026 Dates Include:
Nov. 7 to the Board of Aldermen
Nov. 21 to the Board of Aldermen
Feb. 17 to Jefferson City (Prepared Topic: Immigration)
Other dates to Jefferson City are TBD.

Register for Board of Aldermen and Legislative Visits

Beyond the Gates - Economic Justice Tours

This program invites members of the Saint Louis University community to explore the neighborhoods surrounding campus and across St. Louis. Specifically, it highlights the realities of historic disinvestment and neglect that have shaped many local communities, while centering the residents, organizers and neighborhood leaders who are doing the critical work of revitalization and community-building. Through guided tours and conversations with community members, participants are challenged to move beyond stereotypes and fear-based narratives about the city, gaining a deeper understanding of the history, resilience and ongoing grassroots efforts to revitalize neighborhoods taking place beyond the gates of SLU. The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of advocacy, economic development, urban inequality, civic engagement, and the power of community-led change.