Agency Details:

Spark inspires middle-school youth to pursue their interests, create bonds with their communities, and develop a lifelong passion for learning.

Description:
Spark matches 7th and 8th grade students with apprenticeships in professions of their choice at local workplaces. The workplace-based apprenticeship is complemented by a leadership curriculum, focusing on topics such as goal-setting, professional networking, and public speaking. The Spark experience creates a sense of relevance for students and inspires students to envision their future and develop the skills and confidence necessary to be successful in high school and beyond.

As students work side-by-side with professionals in a field of their choice, from architecture to aviation, they learn how education can be the vehicle for their dreams. Students have learned to fly planes, design clothes, make films, and more, all working side-by-side with a volunteer Apprentice Teacher.

Spark is the only youth empowerment program in the country that address the dropout crisis by re-engaging at-risk students in their education with hands-on, individualized apprenticeships in their “dream jobs.” In 2010 Spark will work with 250 Bay Area students and 400 volunteers and is launching programs in Los Angeles – a major step towards a national program.

Spark has received the prestigious Ashoka and Draper Richards Fellowships, top awards for nonprofits, in recognition of the organization's potential for large-scale social impact.

History:
Spark creates real-world opportunities for youth; arranging professional apprenticeships that help middle-school students become confident, self-motivated learners. Since its founding in 2004, Spark has grown to serve an estimated 450 youth throughout the Bay Area and recently launched it's Los Angeles program. Each student is matched with a hands-on apprenticeship in a field of interest, helping them build motivation for personal and academic success.

Contact people:

Christopher Balme, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Nathalie Wade, (phone), (email) Lupita Rodriguez, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

251 Rhode Island Suite 205 San Francisco, CA 94103 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.sparkprogram.org

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	18
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	No
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	No
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	No

Last updated on February 5, 2010