The Program for Academic and Creative Talent (PACT) enhances and supports the educational program and experience of high-ability students to prepare them to become world-class learners and responsible citizens.
High school students often need assistance in clarifying possible career paths and locating suitable, affordable higher education. Since highly-able students usually have numerous interests or intense, long-term interests that influence their life planning, they will benefit from the decision-making focus provided by PACT guidance services. The PACT Coordinator works with the school counselors to help academically talented students with organization and planning. PACT guidance services include the option of taking a college dual enrollment course for grades 10-12 entitled, How College Works. Students in grades 9-12 may also sign up for PACT Seminar — A project-based learning opportunity. Both courses are offered at Kennedy and are taught by a certified PACT teacher.
Other PACT services include:
- Interest focused activity coaching
- Social and emotional counseling
- Notification of contests, summer workshops, seminars, conferences, etc through your PACT Google Classroom
- Competitive scholarship assistance
A few of the opportunities for PACT students:
- Academic Decathlon
- American Mathematics Competition
- American Legion Oratorical Contest
- Brain Bee
- Eastern Iowa Science and Engineering Fair
- Fleet Reserve Association Essay Contest
- Go Further, Women in Science and Engineering Conference (9th & 10th grade only)
- Hoover Uncommon Student (Juniors only)
- John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
- Know Your Constitution contest
- National History Day contest
- National Sojourners Essay Contest
- Optimist Essay & Oratorical Contest
- Scholastic Art & Writing Contest
- Stock Market Challenge
- Young Women in Leadership Conference
- VFW Voice of Democracy Contest
- World Food Prize
The Cedar Rapids Community School District curriculum also provides abundant opportunities for academic challenge and enrichment through higher-level classes, including those in the advanced placement (AP) program, dual enrollment in college classes, and Iowa BIG.
If you are new to Kennedy High School or feel you qualify for PACT, please contact the PACT coordinator, Jill Koch.
