The WashU College Prep Program (CPP) supports first-generation, limited-income high school students in the St. Louis area by providing academic preparation, college access resources, mentorship, and programming throughout the year. CPP is four-year commitment that begins the summer after a student’s first year of high school and continues through their first year of college. Programming includes academic sessions focused on coding, scholarship and financial aid workshops, ACT test prep sessions, college enrichment trips, and local business tours. Student participants gain significant academic knowledge and experience, form bonds with their fellow scholars, and gain a greater understanding of college life.
Name: Lé-Anne Johnson
Year: Class of 2026
Major: Film and Media Studies with a concentration in Production. Minor in African and African American Studies
On-campus job title: Student Assistant
On-campus job department: College Prep Program
The College Prep Program wouldn’t be possible without the student employees who support programming, serve as mentors to the high school participants, and help with daily operations and administration. Student employees play a critical role in fostering an engaging and supportive environment that enhances the scholar experience and advances CPP’s mission.
This mission with a St. Louis focus is what drew Lé-Anne Johnson to apply, “The practice of giving back and sharing my experiences to younger students and to my community is extremely important to me. I have always enjoyed working with underserved and underrepresented students whether it be students of color, those with learning disabilities, or those who come from lower income households. I believe everyone deserves to have access to the resources that set them up for success, and because of that, the College Prep Program’s mission stood out to me. Additionally, I love that it focuses on members of our very own St. Louis community.”
Lé-Anne’s supervisor and Manager of Communication and Training, Jenisha McDonald, reflects on how her values have allowed her to flourish in the position. “Lé-Anne began her time at CPP eager and curious, looking for ways to support the St. Louis community and recognizing CPP as a meaningful avenue to do so. Her initiative and commitment directly support CPP’s goal of fostering meaningful experiences.
Additionally, McDonald has seen a growth in Lé-Anne’s career competencies that have impacted the program in positive ways, “Over the past two years, she has grown tremendously in her professional skills, gaining a deep understanding of program operations and how to support both administrative and operational needs effectively. She supports special events like graduation, connects with scholars when needed, assists with research that informs program development, and manages operational tasks like inventory and logistics. She’s also developed into a natural leader, connecting with incoming student staff members and supporting the Program Manager on best practices for building community among staff. Lé-Anne is an exceptional student employee because of her versatility, initiative, and genuine commitment to CPP’s mission.”
Lé-Anne further connects the dots on how experiences and career readiness skills gained in an on-campus job will prepare her for future goals, “I am pursuing a career in the arts, but working with CPP has helped me learn more about professional work environments. In this role, I’ve further developed skills in planning, mentorship, and record keeping among others. It has given me a strong foundation for working in an office setting and learning about what daily administrative operations look like.”
Perhaps most important is the sense of community that Lé-Anne was able to find, and contribute to, in her on-campus job. McDonald shares that “Beyond her technical skills, Le-Anne brings a positive, collaborative energy to the team, and builds meaningful connections, making her an invaluable member of the CPP community.” Lé-Anne sums it all up, “I love the community that is fostered in the College Prep Program office. It feels like a family!
Inspired by Lé-Anne’s story? College Prep Program employs about 10-12 Student Assistants every year in various roles. Student employment positions, when available, are posted on Handshake.
Written by Sarah Sims, March 23, 2026.
