As the world changes, so should our model of higher education. Named below are three key dynamics that WashU’s model addresses.
Challenge #1: Declining Trust in Higher Education
More and more people across the political spectrum are losing confidence in higher education, both in how it shapes students and in its value to society as a whole.
The WashU Response
By helping students find purpose and tackle real-world problems, we ensure that every WashU student—no matter their background—gets the personalized preparation they need to meet today’s challenges.
Challenge #2: Deficiencies in Career Readiness
CHALLENGE #2: A Need for a Different Kind of Career Readiness – As the world changes, employers worry that students aren’t ready to create value in today’s environment. They’re looking for critical thinking, strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. But this isn’t just about careers—students also need these tools to navigate complex moral and civic challenges in their lives.
The WashU Response
By giving all students, no matter their major, a strong foundation in communication, innovation, and tech and data skills, WashU prepares graduates to stand out. And by teaching them to lead, collaborate, and navigate complex differences, they leave ready not just for a career, but for a meaningful life in a connected world.
Challenge #3: A Rapidly Evolving Technology Landscape
A Rapidly Evolving Technology Landscape – As tools like AI and large language models become central to work and life, universities must teach students how to use them effectively—while also making sure real learning isn’t handed off to the technology itself.
The WashU Response
By investing in helping students navigate this critical balance, WashU fosters deep learning in skills that resist automation, all the while ensuring students are equipped to harness technology to create value in a rapidly evolving economy.