Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University (SLU) has been recognized with the 2025 Senator Simon Spotlight Award for Campus Internationalization. The award highlights SLU's Partnership for a Higher Purpose initiative, which includes the SLU-Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL) program. This program offers bachelor's degrees to international students in refugee camps in Kenya and Malawi who have been displaced by conflict, poverty, or lack of opportunity.

"The program is a true expression of Jesuit values," stated SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. "Saint Louis University is proud to be a part of this initiative, which exemplifies what becomes possible when mission-focused organizations from around the globe join together around a shared purpose."

The JWL program collaborates with Jesuit Worldwide Learning, an international higher education program founded in 2010 that serves students in marginalized communities. Pestello is a member of JWL’s Global Advisory Board.

JWL operates more than 50 learning centers across 20 countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. Students graduate with a B.A. in General Studies through SLU’s School for Professional Studies (SPS), which provides globally accessible academic programs aligned with the University's Jesuit tradition.

Jesuit Worldwide Learning classes are offered through community-based cohorts. JWL supplies students with computers and internet service and provides on-site support through learning facilitators and coordinators. Saint Louis University contributes student support services, faculty, and course materials.

Currently, there are 32 students enrolled across refugee camps in Kenya and Malawi; two additional students from Nigeria will join the next cohort in March.

Program coordinator Eboni Chism emphasized the supportive nature of these cohorts: "The beauty of the cohorts is their ability to serve as inspiration for one another. They root for one another."

Students complete online courses over eight-week terms via Canvas while maintaining regular communication with coordinators based in St. Louis. They begin their studies at SLU having already completed 30 credits through Creighton University or Xavier Institute of Management's certificate programs.

"They are so excited to receive their SLU ID cards," said Patricia Bass, Ph.D., program director at SLU-JWL. "They are Billikens, and they are proud to be Billikens."

The first cohort expects to graduate by summer 2027 after completing their degrees within three years.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators serves over 10,000 members worldwide as the largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education exchange.

Institutions awarded Simon Awards will feature in NAFSA's annual report this fall and will be honored during NAFSA’s Annual Conference & Expo this spring.

JWL aims to provide equitable high-quality tertiary education to marginalized communities affected by poverty or displacement so they can contribute knowledgeably within a global community fostering hope towards peace.