Real World Immersion
The Clay Institute 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.
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 Saint Louis Board of Alderman 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. 7th to the Board of Alderman
Nov. 21st to the Board of Alderman
Feb. 17th to Jefferson City (Prepared Topic: Immigration)
Other dates to Jefferson City are TBD.