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SparkBytes | March 2025
- SparkNC
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
Welcome Dr. Keith Bubuszczak
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Keith Babuszczak as SparkNC's Vice President of Programs! Previously serving as the Provost for IT Programs and the RTP Campus at Wake Technical Community College, Keith brings extensive experience in career-connected learning and a passion for bridging the gap between education and high-tech careers. From securing grants and launching innovative initiatives to earning national recognition for his contributions to education, his commitment to empowering students is a great addition to SparkNC. We're excited to have Keith on board as we continue to transform learning experiences and connect students to the careers of the future!
New Hanover Spark Scholars Shine at State Tech Conference
This March, SEA-Tech High School students from New Hanover County proudly represented SparkNC at the NCTIES conference, showcasing their passion projects and the joy of hands-on learning.
Five students shared their innovative work: Kayla presented her esports streaming project from last semester's NHCS esports tournament, Dominic showcased a sophisticated Roblox game, Leia demonstrated a robotic arm from BetaBox, Astro shared his 3D printing knowledge along with a modified printer, and Shane displayed his LEGO Technic catapult programmed with micro.bits and MakeCode. Their projects highlighted technical skills and the power of hands-on learning, inspiring educators and attendees alike with their creativity and innovation.
SparkNC, SparkLab Leaders, and district partners from Wake County and Asheboro City school districts also presented at NCTIES on ways to overcome resistance to technological innovations by shifting mindsets.
Spark Teamship Expands with Support from ASA
We are honored to be selected as a 2025 grantee by American Student Assistance. With ASA's support, we are scaling our Spark Teamship partnership with District-C to create more meaningful career-connected learning opportunities for high school students across North Carolina. This partnership provides in-person and virtual statewide Spark Teamship opportunities for nearly 1,500 students to solve real problems for real businesses. ASA's generous support will also train more than 30 new educators to become Teamship coaches, and develop partnerships between our learners and 125+ businesses.
SparkNC is Expanding This Summer
SparkNC Joins ECPPS In Field Experience
SparkNC was proud to partner with Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPSS) as part of a collaborative effort to transform STEM education across North Carolina. Recently the Smithsonian Center for Education and NC STEM East Alliance hosted eight Eastern NC districts at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., where educators explored strategies for implementing STEM education transformation.
During the event, SparkNC worked closely with ECPPS to develop a long-term plan aimed at integrating hands-on, interdisciplinary STEM education. This initiative focuses on improving student outcomes across all disciplines and grade levels, ensuring that students gain the critical skills needed for future success. By fostering collaboration and creating a comprehensive approach to STEM, ECPPS, and SparkNC are paving the way for lasting educational impact in the region.
Collaborating Across Labs: Lexington City's Virtual Makey Makey Challenge
Lexington City's SparkLab is excited to host the first-ever inter-district Makey Makey competition, a statewide event that is fully virtual and led by our Spark Scholars. Any student from any lab can participate, with meetings held every Friday to collaborate and build with students from other schools via Zoom.
The competition offers a unique opportunity for students to connect, share ideas and bring their projects to life in a collaborative, tech-driven environment.
