ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
Spark Central is a 501(C)3 nonprofit that ignites the creativity, innovation, and imagination necessary for people to forge the path to their best future. We break barriers to creativity like cost, confidence, and access by offering imaginative programs, access to innovative technology, and an inclusive creative community for folks of all economic backgrounds. Everyone deserves the opportunity to forge the future they imagine. As a 501(c)3 charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our programs free so income is never a barrier to opportunity.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
In our space, we offer free public programs and events that ignite creativity for all ages. Those who participate will grow in confidence, cultivate a growth mindset, and develop their future aspirations.
While we offer West Central youth first priority in registering for our school break camps, any remaining spots are opened to the public and will be viewable on our program calendar here.
Examples · Examples of public programs include LEGO Robotics, Minecraft Club, and school break camps and workshops such as Girls Rock Lab, Rip & Reclaim, Video Adventure Lab, and many more.
Neighborhood Youth Programs
Knowing that the West Central neighborhood has been historically under-served due to redlining and resources, we have a special focus on serving youth in West Central and its adjacent areas. We offer neighborhood youth creative, project-based programs that publish youth voice—especially youth whose voices are not often sought out or are marginalized. We do this via books, publications, graphic art, music, and more. Every youth that participates in these programs will grow in confidence, cultivate a growth mindset, and develop their future aspirations (see our program outcomes below). Our staff uses trauma-informed, antiracist, and culturally competent practices to build a safe and inclusive learning environment.
For these programs, we prioritize Title I schools within or closest to the West Central neighborhood with an eye on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We also work with select community partners and cultural organizations that serve these youth and their families. We offer neighborhood youth first priority in registering for school break camps and any remaining spots are opened to the public at a later date.
Examples of our Neighborhood Youth Programs include our STAR After-School program at Holmes and Garfield elementary schools and Yasuhara Middle School, where 3rd-5th and 6th-8th graders engage in hands-on art activities. In each project, Lead Teachers, Teaching Artists, and volunteer mentors guide and support students in developing ideas into powerful, tangible expressions of student voice.
QUALITY STANDARDS
To ensure a positive and meaningful student experience, we ask that each program:
Structured programs longer than one session will begin with a Spark-provided student self-assessment that aligns with the end-of-program evaluation metrics.
Begin with an introduction to Spark and an age-appropriate icebreaker. (Informal programming like drop-ins can do this informally as people arrive.)
Offer accomodations to ensure everyone is both able to participate and challenged.
Be 20-30% direct instruction, 70-80% hands-on practice, art-making, or workshop.
End with a Spark-provided evaluation of the learning experience.
OUR PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Kids, teens, and adults who participate in our programs will:
Grow in confidence
Cultivate a growth mindset
Develop their future aspirations