Join us in celebrating the SPARK program’s 10th anniversary at UNC! Thanks to a generous gift from Brandy and Chris Barnes, every gift to the SPARK program will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 dollars!
Student-created and student-led, SPARK is an immersive opportunity for leadership development, dialogue, and self-reflection for first-year students at UNC interested in collective impact and positive change.
The SPARK program was founded by a group of student leaders in 2016 with the intention of creating spaces of belonging and supporting the success and retention of students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. SPARK assists and empowers participants in their transitions into and through Carolina. Whether a student engages as a participant or leads as a Counselor, SPARK creates a supportive community and provides opportunities for leadership development, resilience, and personal growth. The SPARK program consists of a retreat at the start of the Fall semester followed by bi-monthly community building events.
All lodging, food, and transportation to and from the retreat is covered by the SPARK program, making this a free opportunity for students to attend. All interested students must submit an application to be considered to attend the SPARK retreat, as there are a limited number of spots available.
Since its inception in 2016, the SPARK program has positively impacted the lives of over 400 UNC students. Your gift to the SPARK program will support retreat costs including retreat space rental, lodging, food, and transportation, SPARK counselor stipends, and continued leadership and professional development for SPARK program participants.
