Claire Staggs, a senior psychology major graduating in May 2026, is gaining hands-on experience
at Wichita East High School, part of Wichita Public Schools (USD 259), where she supports students as they plan their next steps after graduation. She
began the role during the fall semester and continues her work this spring.
“My applied learning role at Wichita East High School consists of assisting Ms. Kennedy with helping students prepare for their futures after high school graduation,” Claire said. “As a student, I meet students where they are at and help them find scholarships, coach them through
their applications, and help them take advantage of every opportunity presented.”
With support from State of Kansas Applied Learning Funds, Claire was able to focus
on both her role and her coursework.
“Being able to have hands-on experience at a high school while still being able to
focus on my studies made a huge difference,” she said. “I didn’t have to worry as
much about juggling another job.”
Through her experience, Claire strengthened key professional skills — especially communication,
organization, and adaptability.
“I went into this experience nervous to talk to high schoolers and ended the semester
much more confident in my speaking abilities,” she shared. “I trust myself more, whether
that’s having the information ready or knowing how to find answers quickly.”
She also gained insight into the realities of working in education.
“Every student has different needs and levels of readiness,” Claire said. “Problem-solving
often looks like meeting students where they are and adjusting how information is
presented.”
Making an Impact on Students
Through her work at Wichita East High School, Claire built meaningful relationships
with students, and one interaction stood out as especially impactful.
“One student was really overwhelmed and worried they were running out of time,” Claire
recalled. “I was able to explain their options and reassure them that they were actually
ahead of the game. That helped lower their stress and allowed them to feel prepared
for the future.”
According to Cammie N. Kennedy, District Lead for College & Career Centers at Wichita
East High School, Claire made an immediate impact.
“What stands out most about Claire is the way she blends compassion with professional
composure,” Kennedy said. “She shows up each day ready to help students with patience
and genuine care.”
Claire’s work helped increase capacity within the College & Career Center, allowing
more students to receive timely support.
“Having Claire on the front line assisting me to help my seniors with FAFSA help, application questions, and transcript requests means fewer students
are waiting and more are moving forward,” Kennedy explained. “She treats her student coach role with pride, and East is better for it.”
Connecting Learning to the Real World
For Claire, the experience reinforced her career interests in psychology and student
support.
“Working in a real-world environment showed me how impactful student support roles
can be,” she said. “Applying what I’ve learned in class made my coursework feel more
relevant and meaningful.”
Through applied learning, Claire not only developed skills for her future career —
she continues to help students take confident steps toward theirs.
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience
with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita
State campus.
