Parent FAQs
What is Spark?
Spark is a nonprofit organization focused on creating once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for 7th and 8th grade students to pursue a personal interest in a real workplace.
Whether your child is interested in learning how to design a house, fly a plane, become a veterinarian, or pursue any other profession, Spark will connect him or her with a hands-on, engaging, and inspiring apprenticeship.
Why Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships help students connect their interests to their education, gain self-confidence and self-awareness, and learn how to access local resources.
For example, a student interested in flying a plane might learn that takeoff and landing are just a small part of what a pilot needs to know. He or she could learn that pilots need math, physics, reading, writing, and communication skills to perform important tasks like charting a course, calculating fuel usage, keeping a pilot’s log, and communicating with air traffic control. Not only will the student see how education is applied in the real world, but by working one-on-one with an experienced pilot, that student will make a connection with an adult mentor who can support their career during the apprenticeship and well after.
Is Spark Successful?
Yes! Initial studies of Spark's first cohort of students reveal that over 98% are on track to graduate from high school on time. Spark also receives positive ratings from students, parents, and mentors – more than 95% on average and 100% during our first year in Los Angeles.
What Should I Do to Encourage My Child’s Success with Spark?
To ensure that your child gets the most out of the Spark experience, simply offer encouragement and support throughout the process. You will be assigned a staff contact who will support you as a parent, answer your questions about the program, and provide activities and materials to help you continue your child’s Spark experience at home.
How Can I Learn More?
Explore our website to see videos of student and volunteer experiences or read more about Spark including how it got started. For questions not covered on the Spark website, please contact us.