Skip to main content
District

Spark Lab

SparkNC Logo with tagline

 

 

Welcome to Cabarrus County Schools SparkLab!!  

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!  

SparkLab Leader:

Ms. Darnell | nina.darnell@cabarrus.k12.nc.us | 704.260.6820 | 4511 Weddington Rd., Concord NC 28027 

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

     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 

SparkNC Hybrid Teamship

CCS

Continue your journey with SparkNC this fall with CCS SparkNC Hybrid Teamship!!

The goal of SparkNC Teamship is to help the next generation of talent get better at the work of collective problem solving. Diverse teams of 4-5 students from Cabarrus County High Schools will work together to solve a real problem for a real, high-tech business. You will have a hybrid schedule and meet in-person on scheduled days AND synchronously over Teams on scheduled days as you work with your team.

Register Here!!

Cabarrus County Schools SparkNC Hybrid Teamship Experience

September 28 - October 23

 

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

It's time to register for Cabarrus County Schools SparkNC Hybrid Teamship Experience!  

Priority Registration Deadline: Wednesday August 28, 2024 at 3:00 PM 

Registration Deadline: Tuesday September 10, 2024 at 12:00 PM (noon)   

In-person Dates: Launch Day Saturday (9AM - 4PM) 9/28/24,

Tuesdays (3PM - 5PM): 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22

and Pitch Event Wednesday (3:30PM - 5:30PM) 10/23/24 

Location:   Cabarrus Virtual Academy (next to Winkler Middle School) 

                  4511 Weddington Rd 

                  Concord, NC 28027 

Online Virtual Dates: (Wednesday's and Thursday's) 10/2, 10/3, 10/9, 10/10, 10/16 & 10/17 (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) 

Parents will be emailed a Parent Registration Form to complete for your participation.  I will need this (the Parent Registration Form) back in order for your registration to be complete.  Decision Letters will be emailed out by Monday 9/16/24. 

Registration is OPEN: Click HERE!

 

SparkNC Interest Form QR code

 

SparkNC Hybrid Teamship Experience is now Registering!

 

Check out Mercedes Fields Teamship Experience below.

(Vance County Schools, Student)

 

SparkNC x BetaBox Onsite Field Trip

  • 2024/2025 Schedule coming soon!

 

 

SparkNC Lunch & Learn

  • 2024/2025 Schedule coming soon!

InventXYZ Experimental Unit Information

2024/2025 Schedule coming soon!

______________________________________________

Meet Your SparkLab Leader: 

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...” !

Nina Darnell (SparkLab Leader)

Contact Ms. Darnell at:  nina.darnell@cabarrus.k12.nc.us 

Click HERE to schedule a 1 on 1 meeting with Ms. Darnell

 

______________________________________________

 

Click the link beow to listen to and/or our article done by WFAE Reporter Ann Doss Helms

SparkNC North Carolina Tech Program

 

Check out the SparkNC feature in Ecosystems for The Future of Learning we are highlighted on page 64-66!

Ecosystem For The Future of Learning

 

Click the link below to fill out the SparkNC Interest Form for Cabarrus County Schools: 

SparkNC Interest Form