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Exchange 2025 SparkBytes | Summer Reflection 2025
- SparkNC
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
This July, SparkNC hosted its annual Exchange 2025 conference at UNC Wilmington—a three-day gathering where learning leapt beyond the classroom. At the heart of the event were Student Learning Exchange sessions, led by Spark Scholars alongside UNCW professors, giving attendees a rare opportunity to learn with and from both peers and higher-education experts. These sessions tackled everything from cutting-edge tech topics to creative problem-solving challenges, allowing students to share their expertise, explore new tech fields, and experience the collaborative energy of a true exchange of ideas.
Before the tables were set for the Connection Dinner, students took part in a hands-on networking workshop led by Dan Gonzales, CEO of District C, who shared practical strategies for making meaningful professional connections. With fresh confidence and new skills, they stepped into the dinner ready to engage. The evening’s program was just as energizing—Senator Michael Lee moderated a dynamic student panel highlighting their Spark Teamship experiences, offering firsthand stories of collaboration, problem-solving, and growth. The night concluded with a surprise moment of celebration as Kevin Fudge from American Student Assistance (ASA) presented SparkNC with a $1 million investment to expand Spark Teamship opportunities, a major step forward for students across the state.
The Innovation Circuit at Exchange 2025 brought together more than 30 high-tech industry leaders and community college and university professionals, creating an unparalleled space for students to explore what’s next. From trying out the latest emerging technologies to engaging in one-on-one conversations with experts, students had the chance to network, collaborate, and envision their own possible futures in the tech world. The experience also opened doors to learning about high-tech programs and pathways in higher education, helping students see clear connections between their SparkNC experiences and the opportunities ahead.
