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SparkBytes | March 2026
- SparkNC
- Mar 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 31
Rural Students Building Futures in SparkLab
This month, Spark Scholars at Sampson County’s SparkLab proved that rural students aren't just waiting for the future—they are building it. During a showcase for local leaders, students demonstrated how SparkNC has transformed their aspirations into tangible innovations.
Louisa featured a robotic arm she built, saying SparkNC “has given me the opportunity to work closely with technology, something I would have never thought possible.” Richard showcased a circuit-driven steering column that bridges his passion for mechanics with high-tech skills. And Sophia demonstrated her recent designs, including a renewable energy-powered model shed. SparkNC "sparked my interest in mechanical engineering" and "gives me a head start on what I want to do for the rest of my life," she said
Spark Lab Leader Ashley Knowles fosters this engaging SparkLab "where students can explore, they can fail, they can try again, and they can ultimately succeed," she said.
Superintendent Dr. Jamie King emphasized that "being a rural district should never mean having fewer opportunities" and that SparkLab expands horizons for their learners while also helping them connect to opportunities close to home.
SparkNC Takeover at NCTIES
This month, SparkNC lab leaders and scholars didn’t just attend North Carolina Technology in Education Society Conference (NCTIES) —they took it over.
With nine dynamic sessions, Spark voices lit up the conference, showing how student-driven innovation is transforming classrooms across North Carolina. From the Exhibit Hall to packed breakout rooms, scholars and leaders shared bold ideas, real projects, and the magic that happens when students lead the way.
Attendees jumped into sessions on gamification, rebuilding human connection in a tech-heavy world, and breaking down what it really takes to create innovative school environments. The energy? Unmatched.
Even better—this wasn’t just one team. Educators and students from across the state showed up and showed out, representing Ashe, Cumberland, Lexington City, New Hanover, Rowan-Salisbury, Vance, Wake, and Wayne districts.
The result? A powerful reminder that when we elevate student voice and leadership, we don’t just change classrooms—we redefine what’s possible in North Carolina education.
Now that’s a Spark moment.
SparkBytes: Cyber Sparks Fly in Edgecombe!
What happens when JROTC cadets team up with Spark Scholars? You get an electrifying mix of leadership, cybersecurity, and hands-on innovation!
Over eight weeks, students in grades 9–12 came together in the Spark Lab to explore the world of cybersecurity. What started as a simple conversation about drones and shared learning goals quickly turned into a powerful collaboration focused on helping cadets prepare for an upcoming cybersecurity leadership competition.
Each week, students dove into new skills—researching, discussing, and tackling real-world challenges. From analyzing digital threats to building problem-solving strategies, they strengthened critical thinking and teamwork along the way.
The final challenge? Designing and building a working lock box that applied their cybersecurity knowledge in a real, tangible way. And they delivered!
With 60 students participating, the project didn’t just end in the lab—it sparked curiosity for the future. Many students are now excited to continue their journey with SparkNC.
