Our Programs

Program Details

Classroom Visitations

Through the support of individuals, businesses, and community organizations we offer a classroom model that provides hands-on science lessons for both the students and the teacher. Working directly with elementary schools, the S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation’s curriculum is  aligned with current science standards. These exciting programs provide students with the opportunity to experience science in a fun, hands-on setting that encourages retention of the concepts presented. The programs also provide an interactive educational opportunity for both the children and their teacher as both can become comfortable with inquiry based science.

Impacts ALL students in a grade level or school regardless of socio-economic status; is especially beneficial to schools in disadvantaged areas

Works together with teachers to align our experiments and science exploration with the current science curriculum being taught in school

Lessons can be kicked off with an interactive assembly

Immerses students in science concepts that align with Next Generation Science Standards.

Studies show a high retention rate when lessons are hands-on

School Assemblies

The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation loves to demonstrate how fun and interesting science can be through school-wide assemblies! There are various topics to choose from (energy, matter and others!) and we bring in the pizzazz and sparkle and bring out the wonder and curiosity in the students. Help us spark their interest in science by funding a school assembly in your community. Enjoy this video: https://youtu.be/GPwG_rShrIA

Provides value for your money as the maximum number of kids is reached in the minimum amount of time

Reaches all kids regardless of socio-economic status

Offers enthusiasm and encouragement to those kids who may not know that science can be fun

Encourages other types of fun learning

Uses audience participation to help effectively cement concepts in students’ young minds

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Scholarships for Students Demonstrating Financial Need and a Love of Science

The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation offers scholarships to deserving children demonstrating financial need who express an interest in attending Science Explorers summer science camps or after-school science clubs. The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation also offers scholarships to high school seniors planning to pursue a college degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.)

Aligns with the mission of S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation to provide access to quality STEM learning opportunities

Encourages the continued pursuit of science which might lead to a future career in STEM

Interested in bringing our programs to your school?

Scholarships

Summer Science Camp and After-School Club Scholarships

How to apply: In order to be considered for a scholarship, all applicants must (1) complete an application (see below) and (2) submit a letter from both the child and the guardian stating why the child would like to attend Summer Science Camp or After-School Club. The guardian’s letter must give an overview of why they are in need of assistance. If the child is seven (7) years of age or under, he or she may draw a picture in place of writing a letter.

After School Camp Scholarship Application

2023 Camp Scholarship Application

Review process: The Board of Directors of The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation reviews all applications and makes decisions based on the compelling letters written by both the child and guardian.

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College Scholarships

How to apply: The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation College Scholarship Committee encourages applications from high school students in their senior year whose intended major is in an area of the sciences and who are in need of financial assistance.  The committee considers (1) scholastic achievement (2) academic promise and (3) science related extracurricular activities in addition to financial need.

The Foundation can award up to four $2,500 scholarships, and the scholarship check will be sent directly to the college or university of the recipient.

The program of study should be full time (2-year or 4-year) and one which will result in an accredited degree or diploma.  The Committee relies on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in the application in order to choose recipients each year. Both the student and the parent(s) should carefully review the application for accuracy and sign where indicated.

Please submit your application by April 8 of the year in which you will enter your first year of college. You will be notified of the committee’s decision by mid-June of that year.

2024 College Scholarship Application

 

If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Alec Reinert, Executive Director of The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation at areinert@sparksfoundation.org .

Review process: The Board of Directors of The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation reviews all applications.

Where we're making a difference

PENNSYLVANIA

* hover over each county to view a list of schools we've visited

pa-county-map-w-lake-erie
Berks County

Reading School District: 12th & Marion, 13th & Green, 16th & Haak, Riverside, Amanda Stout, Glenside

Hamburg School District: Perry

Tilden Elementary in Hamburg Area School District

Colebrookdale Elementary in Boyertown Area School District
Carbon County

Jim Thorpe School District: Penn-Kidder Campus
Chester County

Coatesville School District: Kings Highway

Chester County Solid Waste Authority (CCSWA) – science camps and Saturday morning science

Southeastern Chester County Refuse Authority (SECCRA) – Saturday morning science
Columbia County

Berwick School District: Nescopeck, Salem, West Berwick

Bloomsburg School District: Bloomsburg Memorial, Beaver Main & W.W. Evans
Cumberland County

Shippensburg School District: Shippensburg Intermediate
Dauphin County

Harrisburg Area School District: Downey, Foose, Scott, Melrose

Steelton Highspire SD: Steelton-Highspire

Central Dauphin School District: South Side
Delaware County

Upper Darby School District: Highland Park
Lackawanna County

Scranton School District: Adams, McNichols Plaza, Prescott
Lancaster County

Cocalico School District: Adamstown, Denver, Reamstown

Columbia Borough School District: Park

Elanco School District: Blue Ball, New Holland,  Brecknock

Ephrata School District: Clay, Fulton, Akron, Highland

Manheim Township SD, all 6 elementary schools: Brecht, Bucher, Neff, Nitrauer, Reidenbaugh and Schaeffer

School District of Lancaster: Buchanan, Burrowes, Carter & MacRae, Fulton, Hamilton, King, Lafayette, Martin, Price, Ross, Washington, Wharton, Wickersham,
Lebanon County

Palmyra Area School District: Lingle Avenue

Northwest Elementary in Lebanon School District
Luzerne County

Hazelton School District: Hazelton, Heights Terrace, McAdoo, West Hazelton

Dodson Elementary and Flood Elementary in Wilkes-Barre Area School District
Lycoming County

Jersey Shore Area School District: Jersey Shore, Avis , Salladasburg
Montgomery County

Norristown School District: Paul Fly, Hancock, Gotwals, Whitehall, Marshall Street, Cole Manor

Pottsgrove School District: Lower Pottsgrove

Lincoln Elementary and Rupert Elementary in Pottstown School District
Northampton County

Easton School District: Cheston, Forks, Paxinosa
Northumberland County

Shikellamy School District: Beck & Chief Shikellamy

Shamokin School District: Shamokin
Philadelphia County

Philadelphia School District: Ellwood, McCloskey
Tioga County

North Tioga School District: Clark Wood, R.B. Walter, Westfield
Pittsburgh, PA
Oakmont, PA
ADDITIONAL STATES:
Paterson, NJ
Tulsa, OK
Mt. Prospect, IL
Newark, DE