Spark

Description

More than 20% 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, a national nonprofit with offices in San Francisco, Redwood City, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia. offers a unique program that re-engages underserved 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 2,350 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.

Spark’s one-on-one workplace apprenticeships empower young people to succeed in their education and beyond.