Learn About
Joplin MO
When
CAN generally runs for four consecutive weeks in the month of July. The 2021 program dates will be determined soon.
Where
CAN Joplin is typically hosted at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School located at 3401 E. Newman Road, Joplin, MO, 64804. (Thomas Jefferson is the Host School for the CAN Summer Program but is not otherwise affiliated with CAN.)
Cost
CAN Joplin is free for all students who meet our eligibility requirements for the Summer of 2021.
Transportation
Bus transportation is provided to and from a central location in each participating Partner School district.
A healthy lunch and snacks are provided daily.
Student Rewards Program
Students who complete the Compass Summer Program student goals will receive a $45 Walmart gift card.
Meet The
Joplin Team

Clayton Carnahan
Program Director
Joplin Team Member Starting Summer 2020
Clayton ensures that the daily program is meeting the larger vision of CAN by working collaboratively with the teachers, Peer Mentors, and others to create and implement the curriculum, build a schedule that supports all the goals of the program, and align all parts of the day to make a smooth and successful experience for the students. Clayton began his career as a middle and high school English teacher at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School and now enjoys teaching Reading and Writing at the elementary level, as well as coaching cross country and track. Having grown up in Southeast Kansas, the mission of CAN is near and dear to his heart. Clayton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on middle and high school English from Missouri State University.

Margot Patterson
Civics & Character Development
Joplin Team member since 2019
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Drury University. She also holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Dominican University. Margot teaches 4th grade Language Arts at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School (TJ). Margot also runs CAN – Joplin’s lending library for students.

Chris Leiter
Art
Joplin Team member since 2019
Chris has been teaching art for over 20 years to students of all ages. He owns an art gallery with his lovely wife and continues to work as an accomplished artist in his own right.

Becky Hendrickson
STEM
Joplin Team member for Summer 2020
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master in Education from Quinnipiac College. Becky also teaches middle and AP high school math at TJ.

Dan Rogers
Team Building
Joplin Team member since 2019
He holds a Bachelor of Science from William Jewel College. He also holds a Master of Science degree from William Woods University. He teaches middle and high school PE, coaches High School Girls’ Basketball and is the Dean of Students at TJ.

Shannon Bickford
STEM
Joplin Team member since 2019
She holds a Bachelor of Science from Missouri Southern State University. She is the middle school Academic Bowl coach and teaches middle and high school science at TJ.

Christian Atteberry
Christian is a native of Joplin, MO. He attends the University of Missouri – Kansas City and is currently studying Piano Performance and Music Theory. He joined CAN’s Team in 2019.
“While I was in high school, I attended summer programs… [and] have come to appreciate the importance that these have for students, particularly a program like CAN.”

Bailey Bennett
Bailey is a native of Joplin, MO. She attends St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas and is currently studying Behavioral Neuroscience. She joined CAN’s Peer Mentor team in 2019.
“To see gradual improvement as students come back each year will be most rewarding.”

Katie Crider
Katie is a native of Carl Junction, MO. She attends the University of Missouri and is currently studying Hospitality Management. She joined CAN’s Peer Mentor team in 2019.
“This opportunity has allowed me to help students learn critical skills at an important stage of life.”

Gabriel Hershewe
Gabriel is a native of Joplin, MO. He attends Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania and is currently studying Film & Media Studies and Theater. Gabriel is also the Director for Engagement and Technology at CAN. He joined CAN’s Team in 2019.
“I enjoy being a Peer Mentor because I like helping kids find joy in learning. Being able to see them grow and see the value of a good education is really rewarding.”

Melissa Hendrickson
Melissa is native of Carl Junction, MO. She attends Missouri State University studying Digital Media/Television Production. She joined CAN’s Peer Mentor Team in 2019.
“Being a Peer Mentor has allowed me to help kids feel that it’s okay and encouraged to be more than one thing. I really think that being able to see yourself as multifaceted is one of the most important things a person can do – especially for academically talented kids who don’t get the same advantages as everyone else.”
Best Free Summer School & Program | Joplin MO | Compass Academy Network
Missouri & Kansas
Questions? We’d love to help.