Strands
-
Incubator
Strand Outcomes
Why the Spark! Incubator? Industry states 51% of college graduates are lacking the skills essential for success in the professional workplace. Spark! Incubator provides a safe, challenging and innovative environment that exposes students to real entrepreneurial opportunities with the support of industry and community leaders designed to:
- Discover passions in an authentic experiential learning environment
- Develop critical thinking, leadership, communication, curiosity, grit, perseverance, creativity and time management skills
- Fostering a growth mindset
- Build confidence
Spark! entrepreneurs will validate their ideas, perfect a pitch, and seek resources and opportunities that foster growth mindset through start-up launch endeavors.
Many of you have seen our Spark! space inside Chesterfield Mall. Over the summer, Spark! moved to a new space at Chesterfield Mall. The new space has an external entrance and has been updated to accommodate our young Spark! professionals and our program directors. We are excited to invite our business, industry, and community partners to visit the space when it is safe to do so!
Dual credit is available through Maryville University and Missouri State University.
Who can apply?
The Incubator strand is open to juniors and seniors.
How do I apply?
- Applicants must complete the online application form.
- Select Spark! in Infinite Campus as a course request during registration.
How is my application evaluated?
- Online application
- Additional information
- Students may participate in the Incubator strand for two consecutive years if their schedule allows.
-
Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy
Strand Outcomes
Spark! Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy is an engaging experience that examines the dynamic and diverse field of medicine and healthcare. During this experience, students will be exposed to a variety of opportunities and benefits of careers related to health sciences. Spark! Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy participants will expand upon principles of human physiology, develop fluency in basic medical terminology, formulate treatment plans for patients and engage in First Aid and CPR training. Students will receive essential foundational knowledge based on industry demand, while also participating in clinical experiences across the continuum of care that may consist of job shadows, group projects, service learning, and individualized mentorship. Diverse healthcare professionals will serve as guest lecturers and outside learning experiences will involve site visits to a variety of medical and healthcare facilities.
Location
The Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy meets at the Lindenwood Westport campus during 1st Semester. During 2nd semester, the group meets at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital or St. Luke’s Hospital.
Articulated credit is available through St. Louis Community College.
Due to limited capacity, the Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy strand is only open to seniors.
How do I apply?
- Applicants must complete the online application form.
- Applicants will submit an essay that addresses the following questions:
- Why are you interested in the Spark! Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy program?
- What do you hope to gain from this experience
- Select Spark! in Infinite Campus as a course request during registration.
Student essays and applications are to be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2021. Applicants will copy and paste their essay into their online application.
How is my application evaluated?
Students will be evaluated for acceptance based on the following criteria: Attendance, Conduct/Discipline, GPA, Teacher Recommendations and Student Essay. Essays must have at least 150 words and will be scored based on the following criteria:
- Organization and focus
- Clear main ideas and supporting details
- Essay stays on topic
- Originality
- Vivid details, fresh word choices
- Creativity
- Risk-taking
- Writer’s voice
- Consistent throughout
- Engaging
- Conveys individual personality
- Freedom from error
- Spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, etc.
- Overall success
- Clearly developed ideas
Additional information
The Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy strand can accommodate 30 students. All students must have a negative drug screen in order to participate. In addition, all students must submit proof of a two-step PPD test prior to the start of school. Please note, the two-step PPD process can take up to 4 doctor’s visits.
-
Teaching and Learning
Strand Outcomes
Spark! Teaching and Learning immerses students in teaching and learning. Students will understand learning styles, teaching methodologies, technology integration, cultural responsiveness and a focus on data-driven decision making in the schooling system. Students will engage in a collaborative relationship between teachers, administrators, students and families. This experience will focus on the general theory and practice of learning and teaching; the basic principles of educational psychology; the art of teaching; the planning and administration of educational activities; and the social foundations of education. Students will experience the true essence of the teaching and learning process through observation, interaction and teaching. Students may participate in Spark! for two consecutive years if their schedule allows.
Spark! Teaching and Learning meets at Highcroft Ridge Elementary School in the Parkway School District.
See a sample monthly calendar of events for Spark! Teaching and Learning!
Dual credit is available through University of Missouri – St. Louis, Lindenwood University and Maryville University.
Projects/Professional Learning Communities
A key component of Spark! Teaching and Learning is to learn through real-world experiences, including solving real-world problems and collaboratively designing projects. Below is a sampling of some of these projects:
- Design Challenges (“Tubs of Fun”) for elementary students to be used during indoor recess
- Plan and teach lessons aligned to state standards
- Assist in library Makerspaces, including planning and implementing challenges
- Assist in classrooms
- Plan and organize activities for STEM Expo
- Participate in Pumpkin Run, Trunk or Treat, Curriculum Night, Meet N’ Greet and Literacy Night at Highcroft Ridge Elementary School
- Mentor elementary students (weekly check-in and tutoring)
Site Visits/Field Trips
Spark! Teaching and Learning students gain a greater understanding of education and teaching through site visits and field trips. Here are some examples:
- Wyland Elementary School (observations, discussions, and questions/answers)
- Lee Hamilton Elementary School (observations, discussions, and questions/answers)
- Ritenour Early Childhood Center (Read for the Record)
- Macy’s Build a Wardrobe
- Highcroft Ridge Elementary (Jump in and assist weekly)
- Hawthorne School (observations, discussions, and questions/answers)
- Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum (meet with Education Director and explore developmental milestones of exhibits)
- Field Experience (work parallel with classroom teacher plus write and teach 3 lessons)
Who can apply?
The Teaching and Learning strand is open to juniors and seniors.
How do I apply?
- Applicants must complete the online application form.
- Applicants will submit an essay that addresses the following questions:
- Why are you interested in the Spark! Teaching and Learning program?
- What do you hope to gain from this experience?
- Select Spark! in Infinite Campus as a course request during registration.
How is my application evaluated?
Students will be evaluated for acceptance based on the following criteria: Online Application and Essay. Essays must have at least 150 words and will be scored based on the following criteria:
- Organization and focus
- Clear main ideas and supporting details
- Essay stays on topic
- Originality
- Vivid details, fresh word choices
- Creativity
- Risk-taking
- Writer’s voice
- Consistent throughout
- Engaging
- Conveys individual personality
- Freedom from error
- Spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, etc.
- Overall success
- Clearly developed ideas
Additional information
Students can earn A+ tutoring/mentoring hours through participation in the Spark! Teaching and Learning strand.
-
Technology Solutions
Strand Outcomes
Students in Spark! Technology Solutions will discover a vast array of specialty areas available in technology careers where professionals utilize technology to solve business problems and design products. Students are immersed in a professional environment tackling and solving real world problems while working on client-defined projects and tasks. Students may be exposed to the following areas: software engineering, web development, operating systems, hardware technologies, network design/technologies, management information systems, media (print, film, web) or emerging technologies.
Spark! Technology Solutions is located in the Cyber Fusion Center at Maryville University.
See a sample monthly calendar of events for Spark! Technology Solutions!
Projects
A key piece of technology solutions is for students to learn by doing through projects submitted by outside companies and organizations. Below is a list of completed projects that have been submitted by technology solutions students:
- Website for medical device company
- App for incoming college students
- App for St. Louis Cardinals
- Mobile app for Mastercard
- Software for St. Louis County courts
- GPS program for Parkway School District
- Mobile sites for St. Patrick Center
- Mobile app for emergency rooms
Internships and Field Experiences
Students in technology solutions gain a greater hands on experience of what industry looks like and are able to work side by side with industry professionals and hone both hard technical skills and essential skills for professional success.
Internships
- Lipospectrum
- PixelPress
- Level One Technologies
- Parkway School District
- Taptl (FL)
- Sparo Labs
- LaunchCode
- St. Louis County
- Express Scripts
- FlatIron School (NY)
- Jarly (GA)
Field Experiences
- GlobalHack
- TRex
- Cortex
- Venture Cafe
- PBS
- Mynah Tech
- Contegix
- Mastercard
- Butterscotch Shenanigan’s
- Worldwide Technologies
- Monsanto
- CTY
Who can apply?
The Technology Solutions strand is open to juniors and seniors.
How do I apply?
- Applicants must complete the online application form.
- Select Spark! in Infinite Campus as a course request during registration.
- Student applications are to be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on February 8, 2021.
How is my application evaluated?
Students may be evaluated for acceptance based on the following criteria: Online Application
-
Engineering
Program Outcomes
Spark! Engineering is modeled after cutting-edge engineering schools like, MIT School of Engineering, Olin College of Engineering, Stanford School of Engineering, Purdue University, inspired by Project Lead the Way, and endorsed by local universities. The course is designed for students who are interested in engineering and manufacturing fundamentals, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Immerse yourself with engineers and manufacturers using state-of-the-art tools and software to create and test 3D prototypes solving complex problems. Apply lean manufacturing processes that create value for customers and drive out the waste in production. Students experience hands-on, active learning with full immersion in real-world projects sponsored by business partners. Students work in multi-disciplinary teams to provide innovative solutions to a company’s real-world problems. Engineering projects are tailored to student interest in the fields of chemical, electrical, mechanical, civil, environmental, software/computer, architectural, advanced manufacturing, robotics, biological, and environmental.
Spark! Engineering is located in the Spark! space at Chesterfield Mall.
See a sample monthly calendar of events for Spark! Engineering!
Who can apply?
The Engineering strand is open to juniors and seniors.
How do I apply?
- Applicants must complete the online application form.
- Select Spark! in Infinite Campus as a course request during registration.
Student applications are to be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on February 8, 2021.
How is my application evaluated?
Students will be evaluated for acceptance based on the following criteria: Online Application
-
Bioscience
Strand Outcomes
Want to learn more about living organisms through regular interactions with academic and business experts and trips to local institutions? Try out Spark! Bioscience. This program provides students with a passion for the biological sciences the opportunity to work with experts in the field. If your interests lie with the micro or macro, with plants, animals, or humans, this experience will provide opportunities for research, inquiry, and project-based learning.
Location
Spark! Bioscience is located at BRDG Park.
Dual credit is available through St. Louis Community College.
See a sample monthly calendar of events for Spark! Bioscience!
Off-site experiences take us to:
- St. Louis Zoo
- St. Louis Science Center
- Urban farms
- Various health care facilities
- Experience Nursing Day at Chamberlain College of Nursing
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- Washington University cancer research facility
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
- A biofuels plant
- A recycling center, a landfill, and a composting facility
- Missouri Botanical Gardens
- St. Louis Aquarium
- Health Career Fair at Mercy
- St. Louis University medical lecture
- Various Biotech facilities (Bayer, Millipore Sigma, NewLeaf Symbiotics, Helix Biotech Incubator, and more!)
Lab Skills
- Mastering micropipettes
- DNA extraction
- DNA sequencing
- Gel electrophoresis
- Polymerase chain reaction
- Microbiology
- Cell culture
- Synthetic biology
- Bacterial transformation
- Gene cloning
Who can apply?
- The Bioscience strand is open to juniors and seniors.
- Select Spark! in Infinite Campus as a course request during registration.
- Student applications are to be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on February 8, 2021.
How is my application evaluated?
Students may be evaluated for acceptance based on the following criteria: Online Application
-
Sports Medicine
Program Outcomes
Spark! Sports Medicine is designed for students interested in professions in sports medicine such as athletic training, physical therapy, orthopedics, and sports performance. In this program, students will gain a fundamental understanding of the human body, human performance, and human movement. Students will acquire skills to prevent, evaluate, and treat sports injuries. In addition, students will understand current trends in the healthcare industry and the importance of interprofessional collaboration to improve patient care.
Relevant industry topics such as sports medicine principles, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and therapeutic modalities will also be discussed. Throughout the Spark! Sports Medicine experience, students will connect with expert healthcare professionals and engage in fieldwork, simulations, case studies, and internship experiences for authentic observation and skill application.
Who can apply?
The Sports Medicine strand is open to juniors and seniors.
How do I apply?
- Applicants must complete the online application form.
- Applicants will submit an essay that addresses the following questions:
- Why are you interested in the Spark! Sports Medicine program?
- What do you hope to gain from this experience?
- Select Spark! in Infinite Campus as a course request during registration.
How is my application evaluated?
Students will be evaluated for acceptance based on the following criteria: Online Application and Essay. Essays must have at least 150 words and will be scored based on the following criteria:
- Organization and focus
- Clear main ideas and supporting details
- Essay stays on topic
- Originality
- Vivid details, fresh word choices
- Creativity
- Risk-taking
- Writer’s voice
- Consistent throughout
- Engaging
- Conveys individual personality
- Freedom from error
- Spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, etc.
- Overall success
- Clearly developed ideas