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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

     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

Save the Date for CCS SparkNC Demo Day

Save

Cabarrus County Schools FIRST SparkNC Demo Day!!

Save the Date for Cabarrus County Schools first SparkNC Demo Day!! Join us as we highlight the innovative learning and work produced by SparkNC students of Cabarrus County Schools! Event: SparkNC Demo Day  Date: Wednesday April 23, 2025 Time: 12:00 – 2:00PM  Address:  Cabarrus Virtual Academy 4511 Weddington Rd., Concord NC 28027 

SparkNC x BetaBox Onsite Field Trip

  • April 8th at Jay M Robinson High School 
  • April 9th 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 2nd (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 were we serve a significant amount of studnets.  I am in the process of establishing those and will post a them here soon.  In the mean time if you need anythiung please do not hesitate to contact me!! 

SparkNC x District C Statewide Teamship Experience

April 12th - May 9th 

 

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!  

Priority Registration Deadline: Friday March 14, 2025 

Registration Deadline: Friday March 28, 2025

Zoom Meeting Days: Launch Day Saturday 4/12/25 (9AM - 12PM)

Tues/Wed/Thurs 4/15 – 5/8  and Pitch Event Friday 5/9

Now Registering!  

 

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

Meet Your SparkLab Leader: Ms Darnell

I am a Michigan native and 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, as well as the opportunity to apply for Teamship and Live/Experimental SparkNC units. 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