Compass Academy Network Expands to Quapaw, OK – Free Summer Enrichment Program for Middle School Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Ethan Danner

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Ethan.danner@compassacademynetwork.org

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COMPASS ACADEMY NETWORK ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM LOCATION IN QUAPAW, OKLAHOMA

JOPLIN, MISSOURI, May 13, 2025 – Compass Academy Network (CAN) is pleased to announce its expansion to Quapaw, Oklahoma for the summer of 2025. The free, four-week enrichment program for middle school students will be hosted at Quapaw High School from June 2 through June 27, weekdays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Quapaw is one of several new program sites that will be launching this summer. CAN now has eight locations across three states (Missouri and Kansas, in addition to Oklahoma), operating exclusively in rural Midwest communities, which typically have limited summer enrichment opportunities for students.

CAN supplements the education students receive during the school year, helping them build confidence, develop leadership skills, and prevent summer learning loss. David Carriger, superintendent of Quapaw Public Schools, took note of CAN’s successes at nearby sites. “We are excited to be the first Oklahoma district to host this outstanding program for middle school students,” he said.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for our students to strengthen academic skills, discover their interests, and build confidence in a hands-on, engaging environment,” added Stephen Moss, superintendent of Commerce Public Schools, a participating district.

CAN is partnering with the Quapaw Nation to support the new program. “When communities come together for a common cause, enriching the education of students in the Quapaw Reservation, great things have an opportunity to happen,” stated Wena Supernaw, Chairperson of the Quapaw Nation Business Committee. “These kids are our future and we want them to succeed.”

Krista Pierce, Director of Quapaw Nation Higher Education, highlighted the program’s potential to positively influence students in the area. “Compass Academy brings a wonderful enrichment opportunity to our students in the Quapaw Reservation. Through a unique, hands-on curriculum, students will not only enhance their cognitive abilities, they will also build skills such as teamwork, creativity, and embracing the knowledge around them. Quapaw Nation is honored to partner with Compass Academy. We look forward to a long and successful partnership that will benefit our students in the Quapaw Reservation.”

Debra Humphreys, founder and CEO of Compass Academy Network, called the expansion “a great step forward,” and noted that she looks forward to seeing its positive impact on the community. “These additional locations mean more enrichment opportunities for students, and more paid internships for college students interested in education.”

About CAN

Compass Academy Network’s mission is to support education in rural communities by providing free summer enrichment programs for middle school students, with continued year-round support, to foster a love of learning, promote intellectual curiosity, develop engaged citizens, create a foundation for academic success, and cultivate a strong moral compass. CAN also provides college students who are aspiring educators with paid internship opportunities working with veteran rural teachers to create a strengthened network of inspirational rural educators who become leaders in their classrooms and communities.

The entire program is free for students, including materials, supplies, healthy lunches and snacks, and transportation from central locations. Upon completing the program, students also receive a $45 Walmart gift card for school supplies. Districts with 15 or more students who complete the summer session are eligible to receive a CAN Partner Grant of $5,000 for middle school needs.

To qualify, students must have a GPA of “B” (3.0) or better and a recommendation from a current teacher or administrator. Preference is given to those who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced lunch program.

Applications for CAN summer programs are currently being accepted online. Space is limited, so interested students are encouraged to apply soon. For more information, visit www.compassacademynetwork.org