Chelsea Center

The Chelsea Center was abuzz this summer as Dr. Arens and Mr. Bommarito guided our summer school students through the experiential learning process we pair with their chosen internships, passion pursuits, service learning, and travel. We are highlighting these experiences now so families are aware of this unique opportunity at WGHS and can begin to consider options for the upcoming summer.

We had 94 students enrolled in various off-campus regional experiences. Summer school programming through the Chelsea Center pairs attendance at the student’s chosen experience with goal setting, engagement with virtual assignments, and reflection. Together, the experience and the reflective coursework create the eligibility for WGHS academic elective credit to be earned.

The Chelsea Center is also able to fund the enrollment cost for many summer experiences. WGHS is fortunate to have the support of philanthropist Glenn Detrick, who underwrites the cost of experiential learning at WGHS in memoriam for his daughter Chelsea Detrick [WGHS class of 2003].

Our summer 2026 Chelsea Center students pursued an interesting, diverse, and fun array of experiences! Students traveled to Costa Rica and France; engaged in meaningful service learning through Mercy TLC, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital, MOBOT, Freedom School, and Changemakers at the Missouri History Museum; interned at companies like Big Heart Tea Co. and Drop Collaborative; and pursued passions through several universities and institutions.