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SparkBytes | February 2026

  • SparkNC
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read














SparkHub Launches at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro


SparkNC, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Guilford County Schools proudly launched North Carolina’s first SparkHub, a visionary partnership bringing K–12 students closer to higher education and future tech careers. The new SparkHub, located on the UNCG campus, provides hands-on, project-based learning in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, game development and design, software development, UX/UI design, and data analytics.


The launch event featured leadership from across education and government, including SparkNC President Lynn Moody, UNCG Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam Jr., Guilford County Schools Superintendent Whitney Oakley, University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans, and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger of the North Carolina General Assembly.


This partnership empowers students to earn computer science credit, build technology portfolios, and engage with industry-aligned learning experiences. By strengthening connections between public schools, higher education, and the workforce, SparkNC and its partners are expanding opportunity and preparing learners across the state to thrive in the evolving digital economy.






SparkNC App Showcase at Apple RTP


A heartfelt thank you to the Apple team for hosting SparkNC at the RTP campus for the 2025 App Showcase. The event brought together students, educators, and industry leaders to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem solving.


Student teams from across North Carolina designed and pitched original mental health app prototypes, moving from research and user empathy to wireframing, coding, and business modeling. We are deeply grateful to our expert panelists—John Borchert from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, De’Von Carter of Truist, Thaddeus Jackson of LS Tractor USA, and Darrell R. from East Carolina University—for providing invaluable feedback to our finalists.


The day opened with a dynamic networking session led by Dan Gonzalez of Teamship at the College Board, helping learners sharpen their professional stories and connect with industry mentors.


From calming wellness tools to research-driven resource hubs and gamified experiences, students demonstrated technical skill, empathy, and entrepreneurial thinking—proving they are not just preparing for the future of tech, but actively shaping it today.






SparkScholars Represent at North Carolina’s

First AI Solve-A-Thon


SparkNC students are proving what’s possible when technical skill meets purpose-driven problem solving, placing first and third at North Carolina’s first statewide AI Solve-A-Thon. SparkNC learners demonstrated agency, collaboration, ethical AI use, and community-centered innovation at the highest level.


Two teams of Spark Scholars represented SparkNC with excellence at the AI Solve-A-Thon:

Team Future Minds, Anwita and Satviki of Cox Mill High School (who both serve as SparkNC Interns and Ambassadors), won first place led by their SparkLab Leader Nina Darnell.

The Byrd Brains, Christopher, of Pine Forest High and Camille, of Douglas Byrd High, won third place led by their SparkLab Leader Jennifer Milton.


Over several months, they moved from concept to prototype, building an AI-powered app designed to connect individuals in need with essential resources such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Their work reflects the heart of SparkNC: leveraging emerging technology to close gaps and expand access for communities across North Carolina.


From October through February, the teams engaged in iterative design, structured testing protocols with school personnel and community members, and continuous improvement based on feedback. Their preparation culminated at the statewide pitch event hosted by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.


Under the leadership and coaching of their SparkLab Leader, Nina Darnell, Team Future Minds refined their pitch delivery, strengthened their testing framework, and built confidence presenting to unfamiliar audiences. The experience exemplifies SparkNC’s commitment to developing durable skills in the age of AI—where innovation is grounded in purpose, preparation, and impact. Congratulations Scholars!




Sparks Flying Across North Carolina


SparkLab Leaders and Spark Scholars are igniting innovation across North Carolina, and SparkNC is leading the charge! This program has transformed how students experience technology, career exploration, and hands-on learning, providing opportunities that truly prepare them for the future.


Across the state, students are taking the lead through career and technical education fairs, trade shows, and interactive booths, inspiring peers to explore STEM, app development, and emerging technologies. Scholars are brainstorming, pitching, and developing their own projects, while tackling collaborative challenges that strengthen creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.


Demo Days and Spark Tank sessions showcase student talent and give learners opportunities to present their work, receive feedback, and refine their ideas—all while building confidence and professional skills.


The impact of SparkNC is evident: students across North Carolina are not just learning—they are innovating, collaborating, and thriving in a program that sets a new standard for technology education. The sparks of curiosity and invention are flying everywhere.








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