Cabarrus Virtual Academy

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

Summer Camp Registration

SparkNC Summer Camp

Students will explore SparkNC over the summer months to gain unit completion and knowledge working within OnDemand Units, Student Led Hackathons and more! June Camps: Hackathon: Pop Up Business Builder Unreal Engine, Betabox Self-Driving Car, Build a Rube Goldberg Machine w/FOUND Items, BetaBox Robotic Arm & Makey Makey. July Camps: Hackathon: Marketing 101 Hackathon: Securing the Case SparkLab Exploration & Build Your First 3D Game Capstone Workshops: June 16-18 & July 28-30 Scan the QR code on the flier or follow this link to register: https://forms.gle/5RmYAS5xBHt5Memz8

SparkNC Summer Camp

Students will explore SparkNC over the summer months to gain unit completion and knowledge working within OnDemand Units, Student Led Hackathons and more! June Camps: Hackathon: Pop Up Business Builder Unreal Engine, Betabox Self-Driving Car, Build a Rube Goldberg Machine w/FOUND Items, BetaBox Robotic Arm & Makey Makey. July Camps: Hackathon: Marketing 101 Hackathon: Securing the Case SparkLab Exploration & Build Your First 3D Game Capstone Workshops: June 16-18 & July 28-30 Scan the QR code on the flier or follow this link to register: https://forms.gle/5RmYAS5xBHt5Memz8

SparkNC x BetaBox Onsite Field Trip

April 8^th at Jay M Robinson High School
April 9^th at Central Cabarrus High School

Fall schedule coming soon…

Competition Due Dates

Ready Set App! – End of March (ref to submission date given to you by your student intern)
Rube Goldberg – Extended to the May 2^nd (if you would like to use the lab computers please contact me)

Office Hours across CCS High Schools

As the program continues to grow I see a need for having office hours at the different CCS high schools where we serve a significant amount of students. I am in the process of establishing those and will post a them here soon. In the mean time if you need anything please do not hesitate to contact me!!

SparkNC x District C Statewide Teamship Experience

June 16^th – June 30^th

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

It's time to register for the Statewide District C x SparkNC Teamship Experience!

Summer Session 1 – Now Registering!

Priority Registration Deadline: Friday May 16, 2025

Registration Deadline: Friday May 30, 2025

Zoom Meeting Days: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday May 16^th – May 30^th AND Pitch Event Tuesday July 1, 2025

Summer Session 2 – July 7^th – July 17^th

Summer Session 3 – August 4^th – August 14^th

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

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

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