Frequently Asked Questions

Students interested in Spark! must:

• Be a junior or senior 

• Be on track to graduate

• Have a desire to work in a project and problem-based real-world environment with other Parkway high school students

• Be willing to comply with business ethics, attendance, and dress codes as determined by the Spark! Program Director

• Be willing to spend 5-7 hours per week away from home high school

• Be willing to take initiative and embrace a growth mindset

Each strand has unique acceptance criteria based on feedback from our industry partners. Check the Apply Now pages for more information.

Students who cannot provide their own transportation will work with the Spark! coordinator to arrange for carpooling with other Spark! team members or an alternate transportation arrangement. If carpooling is not feasible, we will work to identify an alternate transportation source for the student.  Lack of transportation should not deter students from applying to participate in the Spark! program. 

Students earn high school elective credit for their participation in Spark! Sports Medicine and Spark! Bioscience. CTE credit is awarded for the other Spark! strands.  In addition, each Spark! strand offers the opportunity to earn college credit through various colleges and universities. If you have concerns regarding your credits for graduation, please contact your counselor.

Spark! meets for two, back-to-back class periods. A Spark! seat is equal to one student present for two class periods. Ideally, one Spark! section would utilize approximately 15-20 seats (15 students attending for two consecutive class periods). A strand would accept a maximum of 50 students per year.

We regularly assess the evolving needs of our global community in an effort to provide opportunities for students to experience high-demand, high-wage industry areas. All Parkway stakeholders are encouraged to bring attention to potential strands that would address the aforementioned needs. 

Spark! experiences are organized in strands based on the career or industry field they represent.  For the 2023-2024 school year, there will be seven Spark! strands: Bioscience, Engineering, Incubator, Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy, Sports Medicine, Teaching & Learning, and Technology Solutions.