Lead the Movement

Spark engages communities to provide career exploration and self-discovery opportunities that help middle school students understand, experience and pursue what’s possible. Spark Lab invites 7th graders into various workplaces for an on-site workshop to help students understand what’s possible for their future and career. By connecting students with identified career interests, Spark offers Workplace-Based Mentorships for 7th grade students so they can experience what it’s like to work in a specific industry while receiving direct guidance from a mentor.  Spark offers High School Pathways to 8th and 9th grade students so they can take action and feel equipped with the knowledge and resources to make the possibilities they’ve experienced real.

Spark Students are 7th, 8th and 9th graders at one of Spark’s partner schools. They are students open to new opportunities and experiences and ready to explore possibilities with a committed mentor.

Each community Spark works with has displayed a need for additional resources to support student access to increased academic enrichment opportunities. 

Spark Board Members are passionate about the organization’s mission and enthusiastic about leveraging their skills, resources and networks to support Spark’s short-term efforts and long-term strategy. Engagement includes attending quarterly meetings; joining committees for special assignments; providing strategic counsel; aiding in the recruitment of additional Board Members; getting companies and colleagues involved; serving as a positive advocate for Spark; and fundraising an annual “give or get” to benefit the organization.  

Spark’s National Board of Directors is the governing body of the organization. As such, the National Board oversees Spark’s financial positioning and supports the organization’s strategy. Executive Boards and Advisory Boards in each region support the sustainability and growth of city-wide programs. 

Spark’s National, Executive and Advisory Board Members are a diverse group of leaders, many with corporate, philanthropic, advocacy and academic backgrounds. National Board Members are located throughout the country. Executive Board Members in each region are leaders who support the strategy, governance and financial sustainability of the local program. Advisory Board Members in each region are rising leaders focused on leveraging their networks to support Spark’s program. 

Learn more about how your company can promote possibility as a Corporate Partner, then click here to Start a Program.

92% of Spark Students have graduated or are on track to graduate on time, compared to an average of 68% in the districts Spark serves. Learn more about our impact.

Spark builds capacity for meaningful contributions to communities and our impact extends beyond students to the mentors, volunteers and partners in The Possibility Movement. More than 70% of Spark Mentors have increased their satisfaction, motivation and appreciation for their job; built deeper connections with coworkers; developed new skills and felt closer to their community.