Special Events 

Students from Compact and other area middle schools can participate in the annual Reading and Writing Festival held at Kent State University each April.  Designed to stimulate student reading and demonstrate the connection between reading and writing, the Festival features a visit from a distinguished author of books for young adults, as well as workshops and writing contests.  Compact teachers, area librarians and Kent State University students from the College of Education help plan and facilitate the event.

Another annual event, the September Leadership Conference for Middle School Students, gives eighth graders a chance to learn leadership skills and motivational techniques.  Students hear from a keynote speaker and interact with high school students to learn about leadership opportunities at their own high school.

Focusing on opportunities and career options for women in math and science, the Diane Burbick Math and Science Conference for Middle School Girls is sponsored by the Summa Compact Partnership.  Each fall, nearly 200 girls and their parents spend a morning hearing professional women in the sciences discuss their educational and career choices, and learn about relevant high school course work from Compact guidance counselors.

Selected girls who participated in the fall conference can apply to spend two days shadowing health care professionals at both Akron City and St. Thomas hospitals during the Burbick Summer Shadowing Experience held each summer.