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SparkBytes | July 2026
- SparkNC
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
This SparkBytes edition is full of exciting announcements about our network, team and expansion opportunities. Please share with colleagues who may be interested in offering a SparkLab in their districts. Your support fosters growing opportunities for learners!
Launching Year Four with New Districts
and New Possibilities
This week, the SparkNC team and SparkLab leaders gathered at UNC Greensboro for the 2026-27 Kickoff, centered around the theme, "Igniting Futures in Tech Begins with Belonging."
What began in 2023 with just 16 SparkLab Leaders has now grown into a thriving statewide network that has officially doubled in size—a testament to our incredible momentum.
Over two energizing days, leaders immersed themselves in hands-on learning and collaboration. They explored interactive experiences they can offer learners in each of the tech pathways we offer, participated in peer-led mini-workshops covering topics such as building community connections, coding micro:bits or leading experiential learning with Engineering Tomorrow kits. Lab leaders crowdsourced practical solutions to challenges they face and encouraged one another as they prepared to launch a new year.
SparkLab leaders are returning to their SparkLabs across North Carolina equipped with new strategies, fresh inspiration and an even stronger community to recruit, engage, and empower students. The 2026–2027 school year is off to an exciting start, and the future has never looked brighter.
Our Network is Growing, Join Us!
Thanks to the state's continuing generous support, we are pleased to invite new North Carolina districts to apply to join the SparkNC network! We have opportunities for districts to open new labs this school year. If your district is interested in bringing innovative, future-focused learning opportunities in tech to your students, that can stack into a computer science credit toward graduation, please complete the interest form at the link below by September 1st.
We are grateful to the North Carolina General Assembly and Governor Josh Stein for investing in the growth of SparkNC through the enacted state budget. We would like to offer a special thank you to Senator Michael Lee whose leadership and unwavering support were pivotal in making this investment a reality.
SparkNC Board Announces
Dana Brinson as New President
SparkNC’s Board is pleased to announce that Dana Brinson, our former Vice President of Strategy, is the new President of SparkNC. Dana has been with SparkNC since we launched in 2022 and her strategic vision, deep commitment to our community, and proven track record of driving impact will serve SparkNC as we enter our next phase.
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Lynn Moody for her service as President and for her continuing service to SparkNC as President Emerita. We are glad to continue to benefit from her guidance, institutional knowledge, and passion for our mission in this new capacity.
We are also pleased that co-founder Joe Ableidinger will continue his service as Executive Vice President, helping shape SparkNC's continued evolution while leading the team's work to translate the organization's vision into action.
Please read the press release for more: 🔗 Press Release
Cross-District Game Jam Brings Student Creativity to Life
Students from Chatham County Schools and Cabarrus County Schools teamed up for a collaborative SparkNC Game Jam at the Asheboro City Schools Global Innovation Center. Coordinated by Dr. Patricia Hilliard, the event connected students across districts for a day of creativity, collaboration, and game design.
Chatham earned the Best Accessible Design award for its engaging, user-friendly game, while Cabarrus received the Most Technical Design award for its advanced programming and game mechanics.
The Game Jam showcased the power of SparkNC to connect students across North Carolina, fostering innovation, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving.
Welcoming New Members to the SparkNC Team
SparkNC is excited to welcome two outstanding leaders to our growing team!
Stephan Duga joins as SparkHub Leader, where he will lead North Carolina's first SparkHub at UNC Greensboro, connecting students to cutting-edge technology experiences, higher education, and future-ready careers through his expertise in computer science, innovation, and creative media.
Nicole Baize, NBCT joins as Director of Learning and Lab Support, bringing more than 20 years of educational experience and a proven track record as a SparkLab Leader, where she championed innovative, hands-on learning experiences and expanded access to innovative, hands-on learning opportunities for students across North Carolina.
Together, Stephan and Nicole strengthen SparkNC's mission to inspire the next generation of innovators. We're thrilled to welcome them to the SparkNC team!
