About Spark

Our Mission

Spark’s mission is to provide life-changing apprenticeships to youth in underserved communities across the United States.

30% of students in the United States drop out of high school, with the dropout rate exceeding 50% in the highest need neighborhoods. This is one of the greatest social justice issues of our time.

Spark addresses the dropout crisis by connecting volunteer professionals with underserved youth in workplace apprenticeships to “spark” their potential. Students identify a “dream job,” and Spark matches that student with a mentor doing that job. These apprenticeships are complemented by a Leadership Class, which helps students connect apprenticeship learning to school. As students explore the school-to-career connection, they build skills critical for academic success, gain a strong appreciation for the relevance of their education, and become motivated to work hard to achieve their dreams.

Spark is a national nonprofit that provides life-changing apprenticeships to middle school students from disadvantaged communities. Spark’s one-on-one workplace apprenticeships empower young people to succeed in their education and beyond.

Spark History

Founded in 2004 by teachers Chris Balme and Melia Dicker, Spark has always aspired to strengthen the community in two ways: by helping youth become motivated learners and connected community members, and by encouraging adults to nurture the next generation through mentoring and volunteerism.

Spark has grown rapidly since its inception. Enrollment grew by more than 50% year over year, and after five years, Spark expanded from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles in 2010 and Chicago in 2011, with plans to expand to Oakland and Philadelphia this year. 

Spark Stats

• After seven years of programming with over 1,500 apprenticeships created, the results are clear: Spark’s longitudinal alumni data shows that apprentices have significantly higher graduation rates from high school, improved academic performance and attendance, and fewer suspensions from school.
• Nearly all Spark students come from neighborhoods where dropout rates exceed 50%.
• $1,000 covers the cost of one student’s life-changing apprenticeship.