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About

SparkNC Essentials

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

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

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.

⚡ 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.

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.

✨ 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

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 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!