AFLEC Summer Cultural & Educational Trip to St. Louis, Missouri

The Africa Learning & Evolving Community (AFLEC) at Iowa State University is a vibrant student organization dedicated to academic empowerment, cultural enrichment, and leadership development for African and Africa-engaged scholars. As part of our commitment to holistic student development, we embarked on a 3-day summer road trip from June 27th to June 29th, 2025, with over 12 participants, to St. Louis, Missouri.

The trip offered an immersive opportunity for cultural exposure, group bonding, and educational engagement across several iconic St. Louis landmarks. Below is a summary of the amazing experiences we had at each location—with photos and reflections.

Take off From UV Laundromat, Everyone looking excited and hoping for the best from the trip.

1. Saint Louis Science Center at Forest Park

Our trip officially kicked off on Saturday with a visit to Science Center located in Forest Park, where members engaged with interactive STEM exhibits and planetarium shows. It was an exciting opportunity to spark curiosity in science and technology.

2. Gateway Arch National Park

 

Standing beneath the iconic Gateway Arch, we were reminded of our collective potential to rise and inspire. The group visited the underground museum and had plenty of fun exploring the museum's collection afterwards had a session for reflection on the association's activities with an amazing lunch at the BoatHouse Restaurant.

3. Tower Grove Park

We spent a reflective afternoon walking the gardens, relaxing under tree shades, and sharing personal journeys at Tower Grove Park. This provided an important moment for bonding and community building.

 

4. Saint Louis Art Museum

We explored a wide range of art collections; from ancient African sculptures to modern works at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Many attendees found personal inspiration and took notes for future creative and academic endeavors.

5. Citygarden Sculpture Park

Our final day included a walk through Citygarden, a unique blend of modern sculpture and nature. With vibrant installations and open-air beauty, it was the perfect location to reflect and wrap up our St. Louis experience.

St. Louis Vlog Competition

To cap off the trip, AFLEC launched a Vlog Competition with a $50 prize to recognize the best storytelling and video creativity. Members were judged on:

• Creativity & Storytelling
• Visual & Audio Quality
• Insight & Impact Reflection

We look forward to sharing the winning video soon!