SparkBytes | April 2026

Expanding the SparkNC Network:

New Partnerships, Greater Opportunity

SparkNC continues to grow its network, bringing more students access to high-quality, career-connected learning experiences across North Carolina.

We’re excited to welcome Anson County Schools and Martin County Schools to the SparkNC network, made possible through a generous grant from The Leon Levine Foundation. This partnership will open the door for students to engage in hands-on, high-tech learning experiences while exploring pathways into in-demand careers. Through SparkNC, Anson County Schools and Martin County Schools are creating new opportunities for students to build future-ready skills and prepare for success in a rapidly changing world.

We’re also proud to share that Fayetteville Technical Community College has joined the SparkNC network. As a higher education partner, Fayetteville Tech brings valuable expertise and expanded opportunities for students to continue their learning beyond high school. This connection strengthens the bridge between K–12 and postsecondary pathways, helping ensure students can seamlessly transition into careers in high-tech fields.

Together, these partnerships represent continued momentum for SparkNC as we work to expand access, deepen impact, and create more connected pathways for learners across the state.

SparkNC Advances to Phase 2 of the

Catalyze Challenge

We’re proud to share that SparkNC has been selected to advance to the next phase of the Catalyze Challenge, a national initiative investing over $4 million in bold, early-stage innovations that expand access to career-connected learning for young people. Selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 500 applicants nationwide, we are honored to be one of 31 organizations advancing to Phase 2.

We are grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue building toward expanded and impactful pathways that open up opportunities for all young people. 

From Competition to Leadership:

Guilford SparkLab Students in Action

SparkNC students in Guilford County Schools, are turning real-world opportunities into moments of growth, confidence-building and leadership—guided by SparkLab Leader Nicole Baize. On April 9, students competed in the NC National Guard Hack the Box Challenge, where 29 students across 7 teams from Southeast Guilford, T. Wingate Andrews, and Kearns Academy took on a high-level cybersecurity competition. Each school placed in the top three, but more importantly, students showed focus, collaboration and resilience while tackling complex challenges.

That same momentum carried into KEDD Fest on April 22, where Jimmy Nguyen and Fatuma Kayombo presented their work with the Get in the Game Foundation. Focused on reimagining the Kindness Zone through interactive, digitally engaging design, they spoke with clarity and ownership—demonstrating what it looks like when students move from participants to leaders.

Together, these experiences highlight the power of SparkNC—creating opportunities for students to apply their skills, share their ideas, and lead with confidence.

What’s Possible in a SparkLab:

Stories from Across North Carolina

In Warren County, SparkNC is partnering with 4-H to bring interactive STEM learning to the Speedway to Healthy exhibits—connecting science, technology, and healthy living through engaging, hands-on activities. In Cabarrus County, students are making their mark in app development, with one Ready Set App! team advancing to the Top 8 and heading to present at Lenovo.

Meanwhile, in New Hanover County, the SEA-Tech Lab is celebrating major wins. After piloting the Stay Plugged In Players League, students took home first place in the Fortnite competition and also won the STEM League—earning one student an all-expenses-paid trip to the NFL Draft.

Across the state, SparkLabs are also opening their doors to showcase student innovation to an audience of business, education and community leaders. In Chatham County, Seaforth High School hosted a SparkNC Demo Day, where students presented projects spanning artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development. In Pender County, at Heide Trask High School, students will lead their own Demo Day, highlighting projects including interactive video games and Makey Makey designs they have built and Teamship projects being pitched to real businesses to solve real problems.

This is what makes SparkNC powerful: learners engaging in meaningful work, building real skills and professional networks, and stepping confidently into opportunities to create, compete and lead.

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