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.
Claire Staggs
Photo Courtesy of Claire Staggs