Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

SparkNC is driven by the collaborative efforts of the SparkNC Team, SparkLab Leaders, our Board of Directors, our Business Advisory Council, and a dedicated network of engaged district, industry and education partners. Together, these groups guide and shape SparkNC’s mission-driven work.
The SparkNC Team is passionate about reshaping education, especially for those who feel disconnected from traditional approaches to learning. With a strong commitment to education, we believe in the power of innovative educators to create meaningful, personalized learning experiences for every learner.
The heartbeat of SparkNC is our SparkLab Leaders. These innovative educators advise and support students as they navigate learning experiences and opportunities offered through SparkNC’s interdistrict model.
SparkLab Leaders facilitate in-person learning in their SparkLabs and they partner with other SparkLab Leaders and industry experts to deliver blended and remote learning experiences to students across the SparkNC interdistrict network.
I love seeing students find their passion and get excited about their future.
Lollipop sweet cupcake gummi bears gingerbread candy lemon drops cotton candy. Sweet roll toffee pastry jujubes tiramisu sugar plum jelly beans fruitcake brownie. Marzipan jujubes oat cake chupa chups chupa chups.
I love creating a space where every student can shine, lead, and shape the future.

Share industry expertise with students

Host student workplace visits

Give

SparkBytes

SparkBytes | July 2026

SparkBytes | May 2026

What a Year at SparkNC! | December 2025

Ecosystems For The Future Of Learning Report

Dana Brinson

Joe Ableidinger

Kelly Martin

Nicole Baize

Rayshoun Chambers

Stanton Fields

Ariel Crandell

Donald Evans

Garland Beamer

Jennifer Milton

Marquita Faison-Burrus

Nicholas Barrett

Sara Toothman

Sarah Gardinor

Sasha Harrison

Stephan Duga

Teresa Porter

Morgan Draughon

Dexter Robinson

Kate Groat

Patricia Hilliard

Adam Garry

Amber House

Brenda Elam Coney

Casey Fortson

CiCi White

Daniel Pennell

Danny Crapanzano

David Squires

Davis Lever

Jacobi Loyd

Jamey Falkenbury

Jeffries Epps

Kendall Latham

Kevin Joyce

Kristy Marslender

La'Sanya Moore

Laura Turner

Libby Grimes

Lindsey Lewis

Nicole Stevenson

Nina Darnell

Penny Wolff

Scarlett Auman

Steve Isaacs

Tonya Denny

Trena Cox

Candice Miles

✨ Exciting Update ✨ SparkNC’s Board is pleased to announce that Dana Brinson, our former Vice President of Strategy, is the new President of SparkNC. Dana has been with SparkNC since we launched in 2022 and her strategic vision, deep commitment to our community, and proven track record of driving impact will serve SparkNC as we enter our next phase. We are deeply grateful to Lynn Moody for her service as President and for her continuing service to SparkNC as President Emerita. We are glad to continue to benefit from her guidance, institutional knowledge, and passion for our mission in this new capacity. We are also pleased that co-founder Joe Ableidinger will continue his service as Executive Vice President, helping shape SparkNC’s continued evolution while leading the team’s work to translate the organization’s vision into action. Please read the press release linked below: drive.google.com/file/d/…/view?usp=sharing

⚡ What happens when you bring together curious minds, innovative technology, and students ready to dream big? You get a day full of unforgettable moments. Yesterday, the Sparks of Innovation: Eastern Collective lit up the Vance County Schools Center for Innovation, and from the moment students arrived, the excitement was contagious. Hallways buzzed with collaboration, labs came alive with creativity, and every challenge became an opportunity to learn something new. Students stepped behind cameras, explored immersive virtual worlds, built and created in the SLICE Lab, connected with professionals during Career Speed Networking, and even took learning outdoors with drones, interactive STEM experiences, and the Lu Interactive Wall. Every space sparked curiosity, confidence, and conversations about what’s possible. What made the day truly special wasn’t just the incredible technology—it was watching students encourage one another, ask bold questions, solve real problems, and discover new passions. Those are the moments that will stick long after the event ended. A huge thank you to our amazing SparkLab Leaders, Vance County Schools, community partners, and every student who showed up ready to learn, create, and inspire. You are the reason yesterday’s sparks will become tomorrow’s innovations. The future isn’t waiting—it’s already here, and these students are leading the way. 💙✨

The latest edition of SparkBytes is here! ⚡ From student innovation and hands-on learning experiences to statewide partnerships and exciting opportunities across North Carolina, this issue highlights the incredible momentum happening throughout the SparkNC network. Take a look at how SparkLabs, learners, educators, and partners are continuing to ignite the future of innovation and technology learning across our state. Read the latest SparkBytes here: 🔗 https://bit.ly/May2026SparkBytes

Real-world learning looks different when students are given the chance to create, compete, and lead. Through The Players League experience with Stay Plugged In, SparkNC scholars at SEA-Tech High School in New Hanover County Schools didn’t just play—they built. Over 10 lessons, they learned content creation fundamentals, collaborated on original commercials, and explored careers in media, marketing, and technology. And the results were real for Sea-Tech High School: 1st place in the Fortnite competition 3rd place in the STEM commercial competition One student, Nick Denison, earned an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2026 NFL Draft —becoming one of the youngest finalists in the competition’s history. The experience included travel for him and his mother, giving him the opportunity to attend the draft, connect with industry professionals, and experience the event on a national stage. ✨ But the biggest win wasn’t the awards. It was watching students step into roles as creators, teammates, and leaders—many for the first time. This experience built confidence, sparked new interests, and showed what’s possible when students are given access to meaningful, real-world opportunities. This is what SparkNC is all about. ✨

We’re Hiring: SparkHub Leader (Greensboro, NC) Ready to do school differently? At SparkNC, we’re looking for a bold, innovative, student-centered leader to step into our SparkHub Leader role—and help shape the future of computer science education across North Carolina. This isn’t your typical education job. This is for someone who: ✨ Thinks like an entrepreneur, ✨ Builds from scratch and brings ideas to life, ✨ Loves creating hands-on, high-impact learning experiences, and ✨ Can lead a room full of students and collaborate with business and university leaders and other partners. You’ll design cutting-edge learning experiences, lead statewide hackathons and Grand Challenges, and help connect K-12, higher education, and industry in powerful ways—all while modeling what it means to be a lifelong learner. Based in Greensboro at UNCG, with statewide impact, this is a high-visibility, high-creativity, high-impact role. If you’re ready to inspire, build, and spark something bigger, we want to hear from you. Apply: send a cover letter and resume to hiring@sparknc.org (Subject: SparkHub Leader)

We’re Hiring: Director of Learning Experiences and Lab Support (Remote with Travel) Ready to help design the future of learning at scale? At SparkNC, we’re looking for a strategic, innovative leader to step into the Director of Learning Experiences and Lab Support role—guiding both the vision and execution of powerful, student-centered learning across our statewide network. This role sits at the heart of SparkNC’s impact. It’s for someone who: ✨ Designs meaningful, accessible, and engaging learning experiences, ✨ Builds systems that support educators and scale innovation, ✨ Uses data and feedback to continuously improve, and ✨ Thrives in both big-picture strategy and day-to-day execution. You’ll lead the development of transformative learning experiences, support SparkLab Leaders across North Carolina, and ensure every learner has a clear, equitable path to success. From coordinating statewide showcases to strengthening lab operations and instructional systems, your work will directly shape what learning looks like for students across the state. This is a remote role with travel, offering the opportunity to influence both in-lab experiences and the broader SparkNC ecosystem. If you’re ready to build, support, and scale what’s possible in education, we want to hear from you. Apply: send a cover letter and resume to hiring@sparknc.org (Subject: Director of Learning Experiences and Lab Support)

🚨 The March edition of SparkBytes is here! 🚨 From students showcasing innovative projects across North Carolina to expanding opportunities in Sampson County, this month is packed with powerful moments throughout the SparkNC network. ✨ Scholars are sharing their work, building technology, and leading the way in hands-on learning ✨ Sampson County is expanding access to innovative, career-connected learning opportunities ✨ Collaboration across labs continues to grow, bringing learners together from every corner of the state This is what it looks like when students are empowered to explore, create, and thrive. Check out the full March SparkBytes and see the impact in action: https://bit.ly/march26sparkbytes

Sometimes it’s important to pause… and celebrate. ⚡ We recently celebrated the grand opening of the SparkLab at New Hanover High School, marking an exciting new chapter for students and the New Hanover County Schools community. Together with incredible community partners, we cut the ribbon on a space designed to prepare students for technology careers and real-world opportunities through personalized, hands-on learning. This SparkLab will empower Spark Scholars to explore, create, and lead in the future of tech. We can’t wait to see what they build. 🚀

⚡ SparkNC Takeover at NCTIES ⚡ Last week, SparkNC Leaders and Scholars made a major impact at NCTIES, facilitating 9 sessions that showcased how student-centered innovation is transforming schools across North Carolina. Spark voices were everywhere—from Scholars presenting innovative projects in the Exhibit Hall to leaders facilitating deep dives into gamification, rebuilding personal connections in a tech-heavy world, and deconstructing the conditions for innovation. It was a powerful display of what happens when we prioritize student agency and leadership. A huge thank you to the educators and students representing: Ashe County Schools, Cumberland County Schools, Lexington City Schools, New Hanover County Schools, Rowan-Salisbury Schools, Vance County Schools, Wake County Public School System, and Wayne County Schools. Alongside our core team, these voices took the stage to share the incredible work happening inside SparkLabs across the state. Together, we are redefining what’s possible in NC education.

Full Spark Forward New Hanover High School’s Spark Lab officially opened, and what a moment it was! The new space gives students hands-on access to high-tech fields like cybersecurity, robotics, graphic design, digital media, and more — all through student-led exploration and creation. Huge shoutout to George Knips and the Spark Scholars — they filled the room and showcased how powerful learner-driven education can be. From advocating for what they want to explore to doing real work in the lab, these students showed what’s possible when you put learners in the driver’s seat. And special recognition to Ambassador Ellen for speaking from the heart about Spark and the impact it’s already having. 👏 This lab isn’t just a room — it’s a launchpad for future careers and real-world tech skills! Read more here ➡️ https://www.wect.com/2026/02/26/new-hanover-high-school-opens-spark-lab-student-led-technology-learning/ #SparkNC #FullSparkForward #StudentLed #FutureReady #InnovationInAction

Sparks Flying Across North Carolina SparkLab Leaders and Spark Scholars are igniting innovation across North Carolina, and SparkNC is leading the charge! SparkNC has transformed how students experience technology, career exploration, and hands-on learning, providing opportunities that truly prepare them for the future. Across the state, students are taking the lead through career and technical education fairs, trade shows, and interactive booths, inspiring peers to explore STEM, app development, and emerging technologies. Scholars are brainstorming, pitching, and developing their own projects, while tackling collaborative challenges that strengthen creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Demo Days and Spark Tank sessions showcase student talent and give learners opportunities to present their work, receive feedback, and refine their ideas—all while building confidence and professional skills. The impact of SparkNC is evident: students across North Carolina are not just learning—they are innovating, collaborating, and thriving in a program that sets a new standard for technology education. The sparks of curiosity and invention are flying everywhere.

Big Impact. Bright Futures. Our Spark Stats tell a powerful story. Across North Carolina, SparkLabs are buzzing with excitement, creativity and confidence. Learners reported growth in all seven NC Portrait of a Graduate durable skills, and after participating in SparkNC, interest in tech careers jumped by 67%. More than half of our learners, 59%, already have a market value asset such as a portfolio of their work, a team-based internship experience or a certification. And 75% of students feel better prepared to make career decisions after SparkNC. Our success begins with building a sense of connection and trust and Spark Scholars report a 4.03 out of 5 sense of belonging and we’re focused on growing that even more. And it’s not just students who see the value of SparkNC. The impact is clear, 100% of district partners report growth in higher-order skills, critical thinking, and content knowledge. In 27 SparkLabs across the state, SparkNC isn’t just teaching skills—were sparking curiosity, new skills and clear pathways to what’s next.

A milestone moment for SparkNC! Today we launched the SparkHub on the University of North Carolina at Greensboro campus — expanding access, opportunity, and innovation for students across North Carolina. Check out the highlight video from an unforgettable day. More to come! Stay tuned.

Spark After Dark at SEA-Tech SparkLab Spark After Dark illuminated learning in New Hanover County as students gathered at the SEA-Tech SparkLab for a three-session exploration of astrophotography. Led by SparkLab Leader Sara Toothman, scholars engaged in hands-on, after-hours learning that blended science, technology and creativity beyond the traditional school day. Students were joined by Dave Glenn of STARBASE, who introduced the tools and techniques behind capturing images of the night sky, alongside Michelle Hafey from UNCW’s Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. George Knipps and Penny Wolfe, lab leaders from New Hanover and Pender County Schools collaborated on this experience. Across three sessions, scholars experimented with smart telescopes, DSLR cameras, and smartphones while learning image stacking and post-processing techniques. Students who complete the series earn SparkPoints, and a final three-session Spark After Dark series will be held this April, offering additional opportunities to explore the science and art of astrophotography.

Huge news for the SparkNC community! 📢 We’re expanding our Business Advisory Council! Join us in welcoming TEKsystems and their representative, Candice Miles, to the team. TEKsystems is a global leader in tech solutions, but they are also champions for education. Their expertise in K-12 infrastructure and tech-pipeline development will ensure SparkNC learners are training on the exact security and infrastructure standards the industry demands. Beyond their strategic guidance, TEKsystems is showing up for us in a big way—hosting our quarterly retreats and providing direct volunteer support to our students. Welcome aboard, TEKsystems! Let’s build the future of tech, together.

SparkNC continues to expand across North Carolina with four new SparkLabs now active in New Hanover County—bringing hands-on, industry-aligned learning opportunities to students in multiple community settings. You can read the full article and listen to the story here: http://bit.ly/4pBQfGX Thank you to our partners New Hanover County Schools Live Oak Bank Boys & Girls Club Communities In Schools National Office for helping build this learning ecosystem.

A new year means new ideas, bold thinking, and even bigger opportunities for our Spark Scholars. As we step into this next year, we’re excited to keep amplifying student voice, showcasing innovation in our SparkLabs, and celebrating the stories that make this community so powerful. Here’s to curiosity, creativity, and a year filled with sparks that turn into impact. 💡🔥 #SparkingIntoTheNewYear #SparkNC #StudentVoice #SparkScholars #InnovationInAction #WhatsNext

✨ What a Year at SparkNC ✨ As we reflect on the past year, we’re proud of the meaningful impact SparkNC has had on students across North Carolina. Our Spark Scholars engaged in real-world, future-focused learning that built skills, confidence, and new possibilities for what comes next. This work was made possible by the dedication of our SparkLab Leaders, the support of our partners and community stakeholders, and the commitment of those who continue to champion innovative education. Along the way, we celebrated important milestones—including Exchange 2025 and the honor of being named an NC TECH Award winner for Public Sector Innovation. Thank you to everyone who helped move this work forward. We look ahead with gratitude and momentum as we step into another year of impact at SparkNC.

SparkNC is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2025 winner of the Public Sector Innovation Award at the NC TECH Awards. Winners were recognized at the NC TECH Awards Gala on Tuesday, December 9, presented in conjunction with presenting sponsor Cherry Bekaert. The NC TECH Awards is North Carolina’s only statewide technology awards program, recognizing companies and individuals who have demonstrated growth, innovation and leadership. For more information on the selection process, categories, finalists, winners and the awards gala, visit www.nctech.org/awards. “Since 1995, the NC Tech Awards has honored excellence and innovation throughout North Carolina, representing the best and brightest,” said Brooks Raiford, president and CEO of NC TECH. “As a winner, SparkNC has distinguished itself as a peer-leader and we are proud to recognize them as a 2025 NC Tech Awards winner.” About NC TECH: North Carolina Technology Association (NC TECH) is a not-for-profit, membership-driven trade association and the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina. NC TECH’s mission is to foster growth and champion innovation in North Carolina’s tech sector, while providing a voice for the tech community. NC TECH’s membership includes over 600 member companies, organizations and institutions employing more than 250,000 workers in North Carolina. For more information, visit nctech.org.

✨ We are honored and grateful! ✨ Last night, SparkNC received the NC TECH Award for Public Sector Innovation, and we couldn’t be more proud to celebrate this achievement with our incredible partners, educators, and students across North Carolina. This award reflects the bold work happening in our districts, the creativity of our Spark Scholars, and the dedication of leaders who believe in reimagining what school can be. Innovation in the public sector takes courage and collaboration—and we are grateful to be surrounded by a community that brings both every day. Thank you to NC TECH for this recognition and to everyone who supports and champions this work. We are inspired, energized, and excited to continue building the future of learning together. Here’s to the momentum ahead!

Sydney, a sophomore Spark Scholar, jumped into the SparkNC Hackathon in Granville County Schools ready to create something BIG. Partnering with Mrs. Royster’s Career Management and Entrepreneurship classes, she joined 53 students using design thinking to solve real problems in their community. 🌉 Her challenge? Build a bridge for the Town of Oxford. Using Tinkercad, Sydney helped design a digital model and played a major role in constructing the final prototype—with details that made her team’s project stand out. 💡 What inspired her most? The power of teamwork. More voices = more ideas, more creativity, and a project they were truly proud of. This experience opened Sydney’s eyes to how tech can shape real careers and real communities—and showed her that there’s a place for everyone in tech. 🔥 Stay tuned to meet more Spark Scholars making big things happen!

Go to the link in our profile to make your own SparkNC Wrap! We want to hear from you! Tag us and we will share!

Become a Future Igniter this Giving Tuesday ✨ Your support gives students the chance to participate in powerful collaborative experiences — like a 4-Lab Collab Engineering Tomorrow gathering, where learners from multiple SparkLabs come together to solve real engineering challenges side by side. By becoming a Future Igniter, you help create moments that spark curiosity, build confidence, and show students what’s possible when they innovate together. Ignite Impact with SparkNC! Go to SparkNC.org to donate today.

As you think about where to give this Giving Tuesday, we invite you to consider SparkNC—an initiative igniting real impact for students across North Carolina. Every day, SparkNC creates spaces where students explore tech, build meaningful skills, and see new possibilities for their futures. From hands-on learning to industry-aligned experiences, SparkLabs are helping students ignite their futures in tech. Your support helps us continue that momentum—expanding access, opening doors, and empowering even more young people across North Carolina. Ignite impact with SparkNC. Text to Donate: text SPARKNC to 53555 Mail a Check: Please make it payable to SparkNC and mail to P.O. Box 25549, Raleigh, NC 27611 Corporate Matching: Double your impact! Many employers match donations. Donor Advised Funds: Our donation form accepts DAFpay. Contact Us: Have questions or want to discuss larger contributions? Please contact us at donate@sparknc.org.

Across North Carolina, SparkNC learning experiences are giving students the chance to explore tech in hands-on, meaningful ways. From collaborative SparkLab challenges to real-world problem-solving with industry partners, students are discovering new strengths, new passions, and new pathways. We’re proud to see learning come alive in communities across the state—and excited for what’s ahead as more districts join the movement to spark future-ready talent!

On Thursday November 20th, SparkNC Sparklab Leaders from South Rowan High School, Southeast Guilford, and Cabarrus Virtual Academy brought their students to Lexington to do a workshop on jet propulsion and aerodynamics! How cool is that? Students from different high schools working together in the Sparklab! Engineering Tomorrow provided us with the supplies for the lab, and students had mixed teams comprised of students from each school. It was a wonderful day of hands on learning and collaboration.

Lennox describes his journey “like a tree”—each choice opening new branches he never expected. What started as curiosity over a Rocket League flyer led him to Wilmington, Chicago, VR design, and presenting an app at Apple HQ. That’s the power of a spark. At SparkNC, Lennox didn’t just learn tech—he discovered what he’s capable of. “If technology is evolving, I’ll be right there with it.” Read More - bit.ly/LennoxSparkNC #SparkNC #StudentStories #FutureReady

SparkNC is where students explore what’s possible. From hands-on tech experiences to real-world challenges, our Spark Scholars are building skills, confidence, and pathways to their futures. ✨ Learning. Creating. Becoming. #SparkNC #FutureReady

Collective

Collections

Account

Long reads

2026

2025 and earlier