Wichita State Connect

05/29/2026

We love a good collab!

05/28/2026

We’re excited to share the Wichita State Connect 2024–2025 Annual Report and reflect on another year of connection, collaboration, and university/community impact.

This year continued to highlight the power of partnerships, student engagement, and creating pathways that connect PreK–12, higher education, and our community in meaningful ways. Through campus experiences, community initiatives, outreach efforts, and collaborative programming, Wichita State Connect remains committed to helping bridge opportunities and strengthen access across our region.

Thank you to the many campus and community partners, schools, educators, students, and organizations who continue to collaborate with us in this work. We’re grateful to be part of a university and community that believes in growing together.

View the annual report here:https://mcusercontent.com/35eb6c7ba9f33c8e3bba76674/files/92c9d918-ffee-94fa-f941-0467db659ba3/Wichita_State_Connect_Annual_Report_24_25.pdf

Please note the correction: TRIO STEM (and VSSS) were awarded funding in the most recent SSS grant competition. No students were served through these programs in the 2024-2025 academic year. Both programs are funded to serve 120 students beginning in 2025-2026.

05/26/2026

There’s a lot of energy and opportunity flowing through our spaces this week at Wichita State Connect.

• GEAR UP West & South and GEAR UP Heights & Southeast officially kicked off their VIBES summer programs today with 60+ students at Connect.
•The Way to Work youth summer employment program is holding orientation in Woolsey, with nearly 150 teens preparing to begin work experiences across Wichita this summer.

From career exposure to college access and summer enrichment, it’s exciting to see students from across our community stepping into new experiences, connections, and possibilities.

Grateful for the partners, staff, and programs helping create spaces where young people can grow, explore, and thrive this summer.

05/26/2026

The WSU Philosophy Department will host its next two-day Philosophy Summer Camp June 29, 2026. This day camp for high school juniors and seniors will feature activity-centered sessions led by members of the Philosophy Department, spanning a variety of exciting topics. Students who attend will enhance their reasoning skills, discover how philosophical ideas can help us solve problems in the real world, become aware of how studying philosophy can improve career prospects, and become better prepared for college.

Learn more/ register: https://www.wichita.edu/academics/fairmount_las/philosophy/Philosophy_Summer_Camp.php

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

Happy Birthday to Wichita State Connect- AVP Dr. Alicia Thompson! We hope your day has been nothing short of amazing !! 🥳🎉

05/21/2026

The Ulrich Education Department loves to work with teachers! Thank you, Wichita Public Schools WPS 259 elementary art teachers for spending your professional development day with us to make curricula connections—especially through the new collaboration of the Ulrich Museum + WSU Connect tours. We can’t wait to have your students back next year to experience our new tours! Meanwhile, have a wonderful summer. You deserve it! 😊 Special thanks to Shawn Chastain and Marcia Scurfield for partnering with us.

To learn more about our Education opportunities and Ulrich Tours click here:
https://ulrich.wichita.edu/collection-study-program/

Wichita State Connect

05/18/2026

05/16/2026

Today we proudly celebrate an incredible milestone for Evelyn Barraza! 🎓💛

Congratulations on graduating from Wichita State University with a degree in Communications. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment have truly paid off, and this achievement is only the beginning of all the amazing things ahead for you.

Thank you for the passion, excellence, and dedication you poured into Wichita State Connect. Your impact, leadership, and positive spirit have not gone unnoticed, and your contributions have made a difference.

Wishing you nothing but success, happiness, and endless opportunities in your future endeavors. Keep striving, keep believing, and keep shining brightly.

“The future belongs to those who dare to dream, work hard, and walk boldly in their purpose.” ✨

Congratulations, Evelyn! Your next chapter is going to be amazing. 💐

05/13/2026