Spark’s mission is to provide life-changing apprenticeships to youth in underserved communities across the United States. Spark, a national nonprofit with offices in San Francisco, Redwood City, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia. offers a unique program that re-engages middle school students in their education through hands-on apprenticeships and leadership curriculum. Spark partners with schools and workplaces in six cities coast-to-coast to match low-income 7th and 8th graders with mentors working in career fields aligned with the students’ strengths and interests. Spark’s parallel in-school curriculum reinforces the link between classrooms and careers while helping students build skills key to success in the 21st century. After eight years and more than 2,100 apprenticeships, the results are clear: Spark students consistently gain confidence, key skills, and positive relationships, and have a graduation rate far above the national average. Spark’s unique approach and positive outcomes have earned national attention.

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