Our Goal
The goal of SPARK! is to make computer science accessible to all in Charlottesville and beyond!
  1. In today’s tech-driven world, students must have a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of computing so they are empowered to take control of how tech will affect their lives, their culture, and their future. 

  2. Girls account for only 28% of all students taking AP Computer Science exams and underrepresented minorities make up just 21%. This problem continues through to higher education, where 83% of university of computer science majors are men.
    (source: Code.org)
    ​
  3. We are active in the tech community and our programs are recognized as role models by our many collaborators including Mozilla, Tech-Girls, UVA Biomedical Engineering and Curry School of Education, ReinventED, and the i.Lab at UVA
SPARK! is making an impact on the Charlottesville community by offering innovative programs to students and teachers throughout the region at low to no cost.
  1. A free annual high school hackathon that brings students from schools throughout the region together with industry experts to solve real-world problems through technology.
    “It is one of the best organized and thought out events in the area of its kind.” 

  2. Free Summer Spark for middle and high school students that bring together the best of the CS Program at STAB: innovative teaching, student-driven learning and real-world problem solving and making it available to the community.
    “I have been surrounded by wonderful people and I could not have asked for a better experience.”     ​

  3. ​A free CS Institute to give K-12 teachers an opportunity to get hands on with new computer science skills and tools while coming away with CS-infused lesson plans.
    “This Institute was the most engaging, organized, well-rounded, and applicable technology institute I have attended.” 

Our Work

How can you help?

​SPARK! Programs are powered by STAB which means we provide the faculty, staff and facilities needed to run them, but in order to offer programming at low to no-cost to participants throughout the community, we need sponsors to help cover the expenses from stipends, scholarships, catering, t-shirts, supplies, and more.
SPARK! Partner - $5000
Is your organization looking to invest in the K-12 technology pipeline in a meaningful way? The SPARK! Partner is passionate about computer science education for all and will receive co-branding as a partner with St. Anne's-Belfield School for all SPARK! Programs throughout the year. You will receive all Supporter perks plus highlights as our partner on all media platforms, including website, social media, video and press releases. 
SPARK! Champion - $3000
Does your organization want to make a lasting impact on the students and educators in our community? You can be the Champion for one of the SPARK! programs (SPARK! Hackathon, Summer SPARK! or CS Institute) and receive co-branding for that program:
  • As a SPARK! Hackathon Champion, your sponsorship ensures that this event remains free to high school students throughout the region;
  • As a Summer SPARK! Champion, your sponsorship will provide scholarship funds for low-income students to attend;
  • As a CS Institute Champion, your sponsorship will provide funds for K-12 teachers who want to learn ways that they can incorporate computer science into their teaching practice
You will receive all Supporter perks plus highlights as our partner for one program on all media platforms, including website, social media, video and press releases.
2020 Champions
SPARK! Supporter - $1500
Do you want to get connected with students and educators in a meaningful way? A SPARK! Supporter has the opportunity to be a key part of the programming by:
  • creating a problem statement and/or hosting a workshop at the hackathon;
  • hosting a group of potential high school interns at your business during the summer;
  • sharing with educators at the CS Institute about the skills you are looking for
You will be recognized as a SPARK! Supporter with your logo on our website, t-shirts and in event materials for all three programs. 
2020 Supporters
SPARK! Fan - $750
We couldn’t provide these community-wide student-driven learning experiences in computer science without you! Your organization will be recognized as a SPARK! Fan on our website and in event materials for all three programs. 
2020 Fans
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