ABOUT

WHO ARE WE?

Here is some information about Spark.

Spark is a registered non-profit organization that encourages girls to pursue STEM careers. Hands-on learning is proven as one of the most effective methods of retaining interest in higher education. Here at Spark, we organize events for girls entering 5th-8th grade. Most of these events last 5 days and during this time, our students experience engaging activities under the leadership of strong role-models and teachers.

Many girls do not know the variety of STEM careers available to them. Additionally, they are often discouraged at a young age. Spark began when we discovered a significant decrease in female enrollment in our school district's advanced STEM courses. After our first summer camp, we noticed an immediate increase of girls in advanced algebra, advanced science, and STEM electives. It is essential that we ignite interest in these career possibilities at a young age and encourage them to defy the standards of male-dominated careers.

Originally called "SMARTgirls", Spark began hosting events in 2014. Since then, we have hosted 24 day camps, 120+ after school clubs at three locations, a residential camp in partnership with Texas A&M university, and a STEM outreach program in Jamaica.

In total, Spark has reached over 2500 students. Many of which returned the following year and eventually became volunteers. According to our student surveys, 95 percent of former attendants discovered new options for careers that they never knew existed.

Our approach to STEM learning is unique, encouraging, and most importantly, fun.

A WORD FROM THE PARENTS

Considering registering your child for Spark? Here is what some of the parents have to say.

Do you feel that this program has expanded your child's view of future career opportunities?

"Both my daughters have loved taking the classes in summer seeing the how the skills they have developed naturally through their current gaming and activities and seen how they could apply that to more technical jobs. Both girls got to see where their programming skills can take them during the robotics camps"

"Absolutely. Ainsley continued learning about each session that interested her most by searching for new projects to complete. In the process, she definitely gained more information about the career opportunities available in each of those areas."

"Absolutely. I talk to her about these things, but she now has practical understanding of the application of these fantastic tools."

"it gives her the opportunity at a young age to start seeing and learning about future careers!"

"Yes. It has been a challenging and creative program for my daughter."

"[the program] made her know how smart she is in STEM related subjects.

Has this program increased your child's confidence in math and science classes?

"Yes - the belief that girls can be great at Math and Science, too."

"Yes. Her grades have improved and her interest in science has increased as well. She likes to understand how things work now."

"Yes, it really made her more confident in Science."

"Yes. Robyn signed up for advanced science class this year, on her own. Valerie found a new confidence in math and is enjoying it again"

"It has. Ainsley is definitely a tactile learner and already has a love for science. Being able to participate in hands-on activities gave her an opportunity to show her proficiency in creativity and problem-solving. She was so excited about the information and projects in spark that she would often make them at home and bring them to her classmates, explaining how they worked!"

"Yes! She understands how both are utilized for engineering and she isn't intimidated by the idea of certain engineering jobs later in her life."

"Yes, they learn math and science they haven't learned before and the clubs help increase their understanding in a fun way."

"Yes, she seems more confident and engaged in those Classes."

HERE IS WHO WE HAVE WORKED WITH IN THE PAST

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS, PARTNERS, AND COLLABORATORS!

FOUNDER

KATE VINSON

Originally from Texas, I am now a college student at North Park University Chicago. When I was 11 years old, I noticed the lack of resources and encouragement for young girls with a potential to enter STEM careers. I decided that I needed promote change and started a program for middle-school aged girls that includes engaging activities, inspiring role models, and on-site experiences. This program was originally titled" SMARTgirls", and since then, my team has hosted over 24 summer camps, 10 semesters of monthly after-school club meetings, an overseas project in Jamaica, a sleepaway camp at Texas A&M university, and much more. I am beyond happy to introduce "SPARK" to Chicago, and I hope that even more girls find a home in STEM..