Being a part of the Staley School of Leadership means having real-world opportunities to practice leadership. Jess Pittenger, a sophomore majoring in philosophy in the pre-law track with a minor in leadership studies, experienced this firsthand.
Pittenger, a co-chair for the Staley School Ambassadors’ education committee, developed a plan to facilitate a leadership learning experience with the organization JAG-K (Jobs for America’s Graduates Kansas). This nonprofit organization provides elective classes for Kansas high school students, offering academic resources, assistance with post-graduation plans, and exposure to extracurricular activities.
In October 2023, Pittenger and other Ambassadors hosted breakout groups for a JAG-K conference for their student officers. Due to the success of the event and the relationship that resulted, the organization reached out again in February 2024, and Pittenger championed another group of Ambassadors to serve as guest speakers in JAG-K classes, using interactive activities and discussions to teach leadership development lessons.
Through her involvement with JAG-K, Pittenger said she gained profound insights into the transformative power of community partnerships and applied learning.
“These partnerships are valuable to the students in JAG-K not only for them to gain insight into what leadership can look like in their own lives, but also to understand what opportunities and education can look like post-high school. For our Ambassadors, these experiences are valuable because we can put what we have learned [in leadership classes] into practice and build on our own skills and knowledge,” said Pittenger.
Reflecting on the role JAG-K plays in fostering a sense of community and belonging among its students, Pittenger emphasized the program’s significance.
“It seems like it’s a place where students have great mentors they trust, helping them excel in academics, post high-school plans, extracurriculars, etc. JAG-K has provided a community for these students that gives them meaningful learning experiences and fosters good relationships within their school environment.”
Pittenger acknowledges the collaborative effort involved in her work with JAG-K, crediting her Ambassador co-chair Brianna Fay, additional Ambassadors’ who volunteered their time, and Ambassador co-advisors Colleen Helmers and Kim Ralston. This collaborative approach to serving the community exemplifies the mission of the Staley School of Leadership, where students learn and grow together through hands-on experiences.
Her reflection serves as a testament to the profound impact of applied learning opportunities, and community partnerships on personal and professional growth.
By 2030, Kansas State University will provide every degree-seeking student with an applied learning experience before they graduate, fulfilling our commitment to prepare students for life beyond K-State starting early in their college experience. The Staley School of Leadership has been charged to engage faculty and staff across the university, and community and industry stakeholders to advance this important work.
