Chloe Swenson graduated in May 2026 with her bachelor's degree in social work. Through her applied learning experience, Chloe worked as a practicum student at the Wichita Children's Home with Kidzcope.
The Wichita Children’s Home provides support to almost 1,700 children each year through comprehensive services and trauma-responsive care. This includes Kidzcope, whose focus is grief services.
Chloe’s main responsibilities dealt with prepping and leading grief sessions, conducting intakes, and researching grief activities. This opportunity allowed her to grow professionally in her communication skills and her knowledge of the grieving process in children.
Throughout her practicum, Chloe learned that this industry is essential and helps many receive support services. With Kidzcope, the organization can reach kids as young as three and start the discussion on how their grief journey can be supported.
A moment that was impactful was a child understanding that bad things can happen to both good and bad people.
“This concept is often difficult to grasp because kids often think that if their loved one dies and they were good, then only bad things happen to good people,” Chloe said, “This was a great milestone to hit on their grief journey.”
Working in this environment greatly influenced Chloe’s perspective on her career goals and has solidified the desire to work with this organization as long as she is able to.
“I have always believed that hands-on experience trumps anything that a textbook will teach you,” Chloe says, “When working with humans, especially their emotions, nothing should be expected or guaranteed.”
Her skills in organizational structure and helping professionals within this sector has increased throughout her time with Wichita Children's Home.
The applied learning fund from the State of Kansas has supported Chloe's success. With the help of the fund, she experienced less stress and better grades.
“Money, whether you like it or not, is important. Being able to have these funds helped my finances which has, in turn, helped me manage my stress while in college” Chloe says.
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.
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo