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Spark Lab

Spark NC logo with tagline 'Igniting Futures in Tech'.

SparkNC is a new way to do school. Each learner is in a lead role, following their interests, building the skills they want to learn, and charting their own path toward high-tech careers of their choice, all while earning high-school credit. Through SparkNC, every learner has access to an inter-district network of teachers and tech industry partners to guide and shape their learning. To earn credit, learners will first complete the SparkNC Orientation Unit, then choose and complete eight high-tech Units, and pull it all together with a final capstone project. Learners have the opportunity to complete SparkNC Units in three different ways: live, on-demand, and experiential.  The SparkLab is located in Cabarrus Virtual Academy and we are open to all students in the Cabarrus County School District!  

Like & Follow Us Here: SparkLab (Cabarrus County Schools) Facebook Page & Instagram

Click Here To Schedule a 1 on 1 Meeting w/Ms Darnell

SparkNC Course Catalog

     Topic Areas of Study 

  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning 
  • Computer Systems Engineering 
  • Cybersecurity 
  • Data Analytics 
  • Design UX/UI 
  • Game Development & Esports 
  • Software Development 
  • Exploring Tech Fields 

 


 

SparkLab Location:

Cabarrus Virtual Academy

4511 Weddington Rd., Concord NC 28027 

Phone:   704.260.6820

SparkNC Highlights - Important Information!

SparkNC T-Shirt Design Contest

SparkNC T-Shirt Design Contest

Competition Details:  Create a 1 color T-Shirt design that encompasses technology & your career goals.  Think about something creative & cool that you would like to see on a shirt & create it!   Please use Canva as Canva has T-Shirt templates that you can use that will help visualize how you want the image placement on the shirt.  (select Templates & search for T-Shirt Design Template) Requirements:  The design has to be 1 Color  Your design has to be in alignment with the SparkNC Branding/colors (www.sparknc.org) Creative design that encompasses how technology is linked to your career goals/future career You will submit (2) things: a link to your Canva Project as well as download your design to submit a JPG, PNG or PDF  (set permissions to ANYONE WITH A LINK CAN VIEW)  What happens if you win?   You get a T-Shirt with your design on it Your design will be applied to SparkNC marketing, Intern & Ambassador T-Shirts that they will wear to ALL SparkNC events and Statewide recognition!

Submit Your Design HERE!!
SparkNC Accepting Internship Applications

SparkNC Accepting Internship Applications

Are you interested in obtaining a CTE Internship High School Credit? We are looking for students who are looking for Leadership Opportunities in Educational and Business related areas! As well as students who are interested in developing their skills and connections in the following areas: Marketing and Design | Programming | Cybersecurity | Game Development | AI | Computer Systems Engineering | Video Editing Get hands on experience and the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals as you participate in this internship. Application Deadline: Wednesday September 17, 2025 (This internship will take place over the course of the school year throughout summer 2026 - this will give students the opportunity to complete their 120 or 135 hour requirements.)

Office Hours across CCS High Schools

Current Office Hours for Cox Mill:

  • November – 12th & 24th  
  • December – 11th 
  • January – 7th & 22nd 
  • February – 11th & 26th 
  • March – 17th & 31st 
  • April – 8th & 23rd 

Additional Schools – schedule coming soon… 

SparkNC x BetaBox Onsite Field Trip

Spring schedule coming soon… 

 

 

Competition Due Dates

  • Ready Set App! – Info coming soon...
  • Rube Goldberg – Info coming soon...

SparkNC x District C Statewide Teamship Experience

Jan 24th – Feb 19th

 

Calling ALL Cabarrus County High School Students - IT'S TEAMSHIP TIME!!

Winter registration is underway!! 

Winter Session D – Now Registering!!  

Priority Registration Deadline: Friday 12/19/25 

Registration Deadline: Friday 1/9/26

Zoom Meeting Days: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday’s Jan 27th – Feb 18th  

Launch Day Saturday Jan 24th AND  Pitch Event Thursday Feb 19, 2026

 

Winter Session E  – Feb 28th – March 26th 

Summer Session F – April 4th – April 23rd  

SparkNC Interest Form QR code

 

SparkNC x District C Statewide Teamship Experience

Register Now!!

 

Check out Mercedes Fields Teamship Experience below.

(Vance County Schools, Student)

 

 

Welcome to SparkNC - Meet your LabLeader

CCS SparkNC LabLeader - Ms Darnell

Meet Your SparkLab Leader: Ms Darnell

I am a Michigan native who relocated to North Carolina with my family in 2022. I graduated from the University of Michigan with a masters degree in Education Technology. I became the SparkLab Leader for Cabarrus County Schools because I see the value in the opportunity for our students! This program brings high-tech units/modules to our students free of charge that would cost hundreds of dollars for a 2 week course. Students also have the opportunity to plan events, develop programming, work directly with tech businesses, lead business meetings, prepare working prototypes and experience how to properly pitch a business idea! I also love that students do not have to choose CTE or Spark, STEM or Spark, IB or Spark…… because SparkNC compliments everything so perfectly they do not have to choose one or the other. I always say, “it’s SparkNC and..” ! Contact me via email at: nina.darnell@cabarrus.k12.nc.us Schedule a 1 on 1 meeting with me at: https://calendly.com/ndarnell-sparknc

SparkNC Ambassadors & Interns

  • Jay M Robinson
    Eunice Uche - SparkNC Student Ambassador
  • Cabarrus - Kannapolis Early College
    Diana-Keziah Ebob - SparkNC Student Ambassador
  • Cox Mill
    Mihir Sedimbi - SparkNC Student Ambassador
  • Cox Mill
    Rashimi Ruppa - SparkNC Student Ambassador
  • Cox Mill
    Katie Sun - SparkNC Intern
  • Cox Mill
    Mayurika Bera - SparkNC Intern
  • Cox Mill
    Kyle Tatur - SparkNC Intern
  • Hickory Ridge
    Srinika Pola - SparkNC Intern
  • Cox Mill
    Melana Amadi-Crawford - SparkNC Intern
  • Cox Milll
    Hannah Fort - SparkNC Intern
  • Cox Mill
    Ayanna Drummond - SparkNC Intern
  • Cox Mill
    Deephya Battula - SparkNC Intern