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SparkBytes | May 2025
- SparkNC
- May 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 2
SparkNC's staff, learners and lab leaders have been on the national stage throughout the spring. Read on!
SparkNC was honored to host education leaders from across the nation in March as part of Education Reimagined's Learner-Centered Ecosystem Lab. Participants got to see first-hand the results of the student-driven learning happening in Lexington and Rowan-Salisbury SparkLabs. Spark Scholars shared insights about projects they were leading, tech they designed and reflections on their learning journeys, demonstrating what’s possible when schools empower students as creators.
Sam Chaltain wrote a feature article for Education Reimagined about the visit that was also shared on EdNC, Getting Smart, and his Substack, providing statewide and national exposure for others to learn from our thriving ecosystem and approach to learning. We hope you will read it to hear from Spark Scholars and Lab Leaders about what SparkNC means to them.
We're grateful to Education Reimagined for making this visit possible. Our participation in their Ecosystem Lab this year has provided numerous opportunities to learn from others across the nation and it was an honor to share SparkNC with them!
At the National Pathways Summit in Washington, D.C., two Spark Scholars, Melanie from Asheboro City Schools, and Lamont from Edgecombe County Schools, shared how hands-on learning in AI and cybersecurity as well as their experiences with Spark Teamship transformed their confidence and shaped their future goals. They joined Dr. Lynn Moody on a panel on youth-centered career exploration. Melanie and Lamont highlighted the power of SparkNC's learner-centered approach that leverages business and community connections while building learners' professional networks and success skills. Their stories—and Dr. Moody’s call for systems that truly listen to students—made a lasting impression.
Dana Brinson, SparkNC's VP of Strategy, presented on two panels at the ASU+GSV Summit 2025 in San Diego, joining national conversations on navigating career pathways and cultivating learner-centered ecosystems. With Education Reimagined, panelists explored the ten factors that bring learner-centered ecosystems—like SparkNC—to life so they can support real-world connected learning beyond school walls. At the pathways panel, facilitated by Tom Vander Ark, panelists shared technology, educator training and collaborative partnerships that ensure students gain real-world skills and confidence as they explore new possibilities. SparkNC highlighted Spark Teamship, industry collaboration, student choice and competency-based learning as central to our work in igniting futures.
SparkNC Exchange 2025 is coming to Wilmington, NC this year, and we're excited to partner with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) for the event. Professors from UNCW will lead dynamic, tech-infused sessions and business and higher education partners will invite scholars to explore opportunities and pathways across North Carolina to navigate into tech careers.
One of the highlights will be our Teamship Connection Dinner, presented in partnership with ASA (American Student Assistance), where students will network with real business leaders. Exchange 2025 is more than an event—it’s a celebration of student growth, collaboration, and future readiness. From hands-on tech sessions to powerful storytelling and real-world networking, this gathering will bring together the full SparkNC ecosystem for a transformative experience.
