Here are some excerpts taken from a recent article written by Jenny Perez:
"Take Eduardo Zavaleta for example, a thirteen year old whom last semester apprenticed a marine biologist at Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve and this year is learning the ropes by assisting the architects at Peterson Architects. Does he want to be a marine biologist or an architect? Maybe. He definitely is interested in math and science and is currently learning to operate a computer program that allows for architects to begin sketching projects. In Eduardo’s own words, the reason to join Spark is 'to learn about a job you might do when you grow up and what you have to do to get there.'"
"Spark couples each student’s internship experience with weekly sessions in a wide variety of professional skills like networking, communication, and confidence building. Think Toastmasters for seventh and eighth graders. According to Spark’s founders there are existing programs that target at-risk high school students, but they say that waiting until high school is just too late to make a lasting impact. Their intention is to intervene early in a child’s life and help them 'to see the value of school and build motivation for personal and academic success.'
One of Spark’s graduates is a prime example. Christian Cruz, age 14 and a student at Sequoia High School in Redwood City, now helps facilitate Spark Leadership Curriculum and serves on their Board of Directors as a Youth Advisor. He explains, 'I like to see kids have an opportunity to develop themselves.' Spark not only offers students a chance to get hands-on exposure in a chosen area of interest but also aids hugely in confidence building. Christian describes 'Discovery Night' that Spark puts on at the end of each semester where students display and present what they have learned at their internship. In Christian’s case he had the wonderful opportunity to learn the art of local cartoonist Shepherd Hendrix 'who taught me how to use many different tools for creating and drawing.'"
"Isn’t this what we want for all our children? I think so. But to say it so loudly and clearly at age 14 lets me know that Spark has truly made an impact in this young man’s life.
Recently awarded the prestigious Ashoka Fellowship, Balme, Spark’s Executive Director, has been recognized as a forward thinking social entrepreneur who has created a program with 'innovative solutions to social problems, and the potential to change patterns across society.'
I can think of no greater way to change the future of our country then to help open a young student’s mind to professional and personal opportunity they might never have encountered otherwise. Spark recruits and trains willing community members, connects them with students who in turn see the value of school and build motivation for personal and academic success. According to the first study on Spark’s outcomes, 55 of 56 students enrolled in Spark, remained enrolled in high school. This is a 98.2% retention rate, a rate significantly higher than that of their non-Spark peers.
Please contact Spark if you are interested in becoming a supporter, a volunteer Apprentice Teacher, or know a student in your community who would benefit from Spark’s unique apprenticeship model."
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