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SparkBytes | April 2025

  • SparkNC
  • Apr 1
  • 2 min read



SparkNC Continues to Expand Labs Across North Carolina


With support from The Leon Levine Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust, SparkNC is expanding into more communities across North Carolina - bridging high-tech, hands-on learning to students through new SparkLabs. Watch the video below that captures the excitement and impact of this work as it spreads across the state.










SparkNC Demo Days


On April 23rd, Cabarrus County Schools hosted their inaugural SparkNC Demo Day at the Cabarrus Virtual Academy. The event showcased student projects in areas such as AI, game development, and cybersecurity, highlighting the innovative work produced by Spark Scholars.


On April 24th, SparkNC students in Wake County hosted a Demo Day that showcased their creativity, technical skills, and personal growth. The event featured student-led projects from interactive builds to reflections on their learning journeys. What stood out most were the meaningful connections students made with community visitors. These connections helped build learner confidence and leadership skills. It was a proud moment for the Wake County SparkLab, demonstrating the power of giving students the space to explore, create, and lead.


Future-Ready Recognition: SparkNC Graduation Cords Unveiled


SparkNC is introducing a new graduation honor cord to recognize the achievements of Spark Scholars. This distinctive cord celebrates scholars who have completed SparkNC's innovative, learner-centered program, which includes completion of six learner-selected stackable units and a capstone project with e-portfolio.




Supporting Resilience in Western North Carolina


OpenWay Learning, in partnership with SparkNC and Education Reimagined, received a generous grant from The Leon Levine Foundation to collaborate with schools in Western North Carolina, aiming to implement innovative, student-centered learning experiences to build academic and community resilience following natural disasters.







SparkNC Staff Retreat in Raleigh Builds Team Connection and Vision


On April 14-15, the SparkNC team gathered in Raleigh, NC for a dynamic staff retreat designed to strengthen team connections and align around shared goals. The retreat featured a mix of creative activities, strategic conversations, and inspiring guest speakers. Highlights included a team walk through downtown, a tour of Red Hat Tower, keynote talks from Mebane Rash of EdNC and SparkNC Board Chair Dr. Randy Bridges (pictured centered). The experience reinforced the SparkNC team's commitment to innovative, learner-centered work across North Carolina.


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