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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!

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

Meet w/Me!

Meet Your SparkLab Student Ambassadors and Interns:

  • Ankush D - SParkNC Intern (Cox Mill High School)

  • Akhil D - SparkNC Intern (Cox Mill High School)  

  • Sahasra B - SparkNC Intern (Cox Mill High School) 

  • Ayesha K - SparkNC Intern (Cox Mill High School) 

  • Katie S - SparkNC Intern (Cox Mill High School)

  • Ayanna D - SparkNC Intern (Cox Mill High School)

  • Ishita Y - SparkNC Intern (Early College of Tech)

  • Mugdha  D - SparkNC Intern ( Early College of Tech)

  • Sreyas P - SparkNC Intern (Early College of Tech) 

  • Krish S - SparkNC Intern ( Early College of Tech) 

  • Eunice U - SparkNC Intern & SparkNC Ambassador (Jay M Robinson High School) 

  • Mihir S - SparkNC Ambassador (Cox Mill High School)

  • Rashmi R - SparkNC Ambassador (Cox Mill High School)

  • Dianna Keziah E - SparkNC Ambassador (Early College) 

  • Srinika P - SparkNC TA & SparkNC Ambassador (Hickory Ridge High School) 

  • Sarayu K - SparkNC Intern & SparkNC TA (Northwest Cabarrus High School)

  • Mayurika B - SparkNC Intern & SparkNC TA (Cox Mill High School) 

  • Anwita M - SparkNC Intern & SparkNC TA (Cox Mill High School)

  • Satviki M - SparkNC Intern & SparkNC TA (Cox Mill High School)

  • Kamalika K - SparkNC TA (NCSSM)