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SparkBytes | January 2026
- SparkNC
- Jan 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 30
Big Impact. Bright Futures.
Our Spark Stats tell a powerful story. Across North Carolina, SparkLabs are buzzing with excitement, creativity and confidence. Learners reported growth in all seven NC Portrait of a Graduate durable skills, and after participating in SparkNC, interest in tech careers jumped by 67%. More than half of our learners, 59%, already have a market value asset such as a portfolio of their work, a team-based internship experience or a certification. And 75% of students feel better prepared to make career decisions after SparkNC.
Our success begins with building a sense of connection and trust and Spark Scholars report a 4.03 out of 5 sense of belonging and we're focused on growing that even more. And it's not just students who see the value of SparkNC. The impact is clear, 100% of district partners say that SparkNC develops learners' higher-order skills, critical thinking, and content knowledge. In 27 SparkLabs across the state, SparkNC isn’t just helping learners build tech skills—were sparking curiosity, growing competencies and clearing pathways to what’s next.
Spark After Dark at SEA-Tech SparkLab
Spark After Dark illuminated learning in New Hanover County as students gathered at the SEA-Tech SparkLab for a three-session exploration of astrophotography. Led by SparkLab Leader Sara Toothman, scholars engaged in hands-on, after-hours learning that blended science, technology and creativity beyond the traditional school day.
Students were joined by Dave Glenn of STARBASE, who introduced the tools and techniques behind capturing images of the night sky, alongside Michelle Hafey from UNCW’s Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
George Knipps and Penny Wolfe, lab leaders from New Hanover and Pender County Schools collaborated on this experience. Across three sessions, scholars experimented with smart telescopes, DSLR cameras, and smartphones while learning image stacking and post-processing techniques. Students who complete the series earn SparkPoints, and a final three-session Spark After Dark series will be held this April, offering additional opportunities to explore the science and art of astrophotography.
A New Chapter: District C Joins College Board
SparkNC celebrates an exciting new chapter as our partner, District C, joins College Board, expanding Teamship's innovative approach where teams of high school students solve real problems for real businesses. We’re energized by the opportunities this transition will offer for learners nationwide.
Importantly, we will continue offering Spark Teamship to learners, now through College Board, ensuring students continue to gain hands-on, project-based experience that builds durable skills and career confidence. As the Teamship team enters this next phase, we look forward to continued collaboration and value our shared commitment to learners.
Media Feature: SparkNC highlighted on WHQR
SparkNC continues to grow across North Carolina. New Hanover County has expanded to four SparkLabs, bringing hands-on, industry-aligned learning opportunities to students across multiple community settings. Local partners including New Hanover County Schools, Live Oak Bank, Boys & Girls Club and Communities In Schools have a shared commitment to building a strong, connected learning ecosystem that meets students where they are and helps them chart their own learning journeys in tech. WHQR featured the story of this expansion. Read the full article or listen here.
