• Compass Academy Network Opens Applications for Free Summer Enrichment Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Johnna Norton

Phone: 417.501.2832 Email: jnorton@compassacademynetwork.org

Compass Academy Network Opens Applications for Free Summer Enrichment Program

JOPLIN, MO - March 9, 2026 - The Compass Academy Network (CAN) is excited to announce that applications are now open for its free, four-week summer enrichment program for middle school students. The program provides students with a fun, engaging, and supportive learning experience and combats summer learning loss.

The CAN summer program is available to students entering grades 6 through 9 in rural school districts. The program is completely free, with transportation, supplies, and healthy meals provided. The program is returning to locations in Joplin, MO; Neosho, MO; Atlanta, MO; Pittsburg, KS; Altamont, KS; and Quapaw, OK. New sites are still in the planning stages and will be announced soon on the website and social media. CAN is excited to announce that the program sites for Joplin and Pittsburg will be located at Missouri Southern State University and Pittsburg State University, respectively.

The curriculum is hands-on and interactive, with courses in creative writing, math and decision-making, civics, career pathways, art, and personal development. Students will also participate in weekly field trips to extend learning.

A unique feature of the program is its use of college students as "Peer Mentors," who support students while gaining paid, hands-on experience in teaching and leadership. CAN is also accepting applications for Peer Mentors and program faculty.

"Our goal is to not only prevent the 'summer slide' but to also inspire a lifelong love of learning," says Debra Humphreys, Founder and CEO for Compass Academy Network. "We want to send students back to school in the fall with new skills, more confidence, and a readiness to learn."

Applications are now open. To apply or for more information, please visit the Compass Academy Network website at www.compassacademynetwork.org.

Compass Academy Network is a nonprofit organization, founded in 2019, that supports rural education by providing free summer enrichment programs for middle school students (grades 6-9) and by developing a pipeline of committed and qualified educators in rural communities.

CAN’s 2025 summer program marked significant growth, with eight locations across Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma and included over 250 students from 50 schools. In addition, over 30 college students received paid internships gaining valuable teaching experience alongside 40 experienced local educators. For more information, contact jnorton@compassacademynetwork.org or learn more about Compass at www.compassacademynetwork.org.