The Compass Academy Network, or CAN, is a summer enrichment program for students in grades 6 through 8 from rural public school districts. Our unique and engaging summer program helps students avoid The Summer Slide and develop academic and social skills to help them grow into more successful and well-rounded individuals.
CAN is open to students currently in grades 6-8. Preference is given to students who have achieved the level of “Proficient” or “Advanced” in their most recent reading and math state standardized tests (ex. MAP or KAP). CAN also prioritizes applications for students whose families qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced lunch program.
CAN is held at Host Schools in areas throughout the Midwest. You can learn more about our Host School locations here.
CAN works with school districts to provides buses to and from the host location for students. Buses meet at a central location where students can be dropped off and picked up. To ensure the safety of each student, our staff wait with students at bus stops until their ride arrives.
All students that attend CAN are given a free lunch each day. In addition to lunch, students are given a healthy snack in the morning and afternoon.
Yes. Please indicate any restrictions or allergies on the application and we will work with you to ensure your child’s needs are met.
As part of the Student Rewards Program, students who successfully complete the Compass Summer Program will receive a $45 Walmart gift card.
Participating school districts who have 15 students or more complete the summer session will receive a CAN Partner Grant of $5,000 for middle school needs. Learn more about Partner Schools here.
The Compass Academy Network team is actively monitoring the current health situation and will adjust programming as needed in order to keep our faculty, staff, peer mentors, and students safe. We will update program participants regularly regarding COVID-19 protocols.
Applications are open until July 1. Applications may be filled out online or mailed to PO Box 2427, Joplin, MO 64803.
Once all applications are finalized, our team will contact you via email with details regarding CAN’s admittance. Please note on the application if you would like to be contacted via phone instead of email.
Yes. Please list any necessary accommodations in the “accommodations” section of our application or contact us via email to discuss these accommodations.
Yes. While CAN works directly with Partner Schools to develop programming, any student who meets our eligibility requirements can apply.
Peer Mentors help support CAN’s growing network of students in their day-to-day activities and throughout their time in middle school. Our team of Peer Mentors serves to bridge the gap between our educators and our students, providing support and guidance to each CAN scholar.
Any student over the age of 18 who is currently enrolled in an accredited college or university (or having graduated within the past 2 years at the time of application) can apply to the CAN Peer Mentor Program. More eligibility requirements can be found on our Peer Mentor page.
Yes. Compensation is determined by location and is based on experience. Please contact info@compassacademynetwork.org for information about Peer Mentor Positions in Joplin and Columbus.
Applications are open until May 1 of the program year. Applications may be filled out online or mailed to PO Box 2427, Joplin, MO 64803. More application details can be found on our Peer Mentor page.
Resume and cover letter submissions are optional. If you feel these items would strengthen your application, please email them in PDF form to info@compassacademynetwork.org.
Questions? We'd love to help.
211 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801 | Mailing Address: PO Box 2427 Joplin, MO 64803 | 417-501-2840
Compass Academy Network, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are deductible to the extent permitted by law.