CONNECTING STUDENTS TO REAL-WORLD CAREER PROFESSIONALS.
Career Sparks offers eager young minds the opportunity to learn and directly interact with real-world career professionals in an exciting virtual encounter.
Enjoy a Live Spark Encounter for FREE with our 14 day trial.
FOSTERING CAREER EXPLORATION
Career Sparks connects students with career professionals in a fun virtual setting called Spark Encounters. Whether it be distance learning, a hybrid model or traditional classroom settings, Career Sparks meets students in their space.
In just 40 minutes, students interact and hear from career heroes like astronauts, doctors, or artists as they share their inspiring stories and educational journeys, along with the skills and training they've mastered along the way. Can't make the Live Spark Encounter? No worries! On-Demand Spark Encounters are available 24/7 on your schedule!
""Are there lessons or solutions in video games?""
Sparkler Student Question, 2nd grade
Answered by Graham McNeill, Principal Narrative Writer at Riot Games
"What advice would you give your students when they experience hardship in something they love doing?"
Sparkler Teacher Question, 3rd grade
Answered by Simon T. Bailey, First African American Director of Sales for the Disney Institute
"Who inspired you to do your job and do you travel around the world?"
Sparkler Student Question, 3rd grade
Answered by Norma Rener, Brand Executive and Fashion Powerhouse for the Jessica Simpson Brand
"From the time you create your characters, how long does it take to animate them?"
Sparkler Student Question, 4th grade
Answered by Patrick Murphy, Art Director of Fortnite at Epic Games
"I tried introducing my kids to biographies of inventors and thinkers in hopes of planting seeds, but sadly, these books remained shelved. Two sessions of Career Sparks and my son is talking nonstop about how this person did this and this person thought that. It makes a huge difference to actually hear in person (virtually) at this age. Also, the access my son is able to have to people he would otherwise not be able to meet is truly brilliant. "
Parent Kateri Wang
Mom to 3rd grader and 6th grader
CAREER SPARKS IS IN THE NEWS!
Students, teachers and supporters across the country are becoming Sparklers! Check out what the buzz is all about and why educators are bringing Virtual Career Days to their classrooms.
VIEW STORY
COMMUNITY HEROES
CAREER FOCUS: FIREFIGHTERS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19TH, 10AM (PT)
Why are fire trucks red? Do Firefighters really slide down poles? Discover what it's like to be a Firefighter committed to serving and protecting our communities.
Firefighters have one of the most important job tasks you can imagine...they keep us safe! During this Spark Encounter, you'll learn about the courageous bravery, strength and clever thinking needed to be a public service hero! Plus, you'll learn about the education and training needed to start a career in this public service field.
NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT
NYFD Guest Speaker
Sparklers will hear from a New York Fire Department officer who has bravely combatted fires, educated the public on steps to prevent fires and continues to keep our communities safe.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Paul Cerda
Deputy Regional Fire Management Officer
Join Officer Paul Cerda who has 25 years of wildland fire experience and currently serves at the National Park Service's Intermountain Regional Office in Lakewood Colorado. Officer Paul will share his journey of becoming a firefighter and more importantly, his commitment to keeping our National Parks safe.
HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Houston Fire Dept. Guest Speaker
Houston Fire Department will speak to Sparklers about the rigorous training firefighters endure and how quickly and strategically they respond to emergencies not only involving fires but accidents, chemical spills, flooding and water rescue.
This Live Spark Encounter is supported with a full lesson plan, packed with activities custom made for this encounter. Sign up for our FREE 14 day trial by clicking below or if you're already a member, register your class today!
COMMUNITY HEROES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021
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SEE A SPARK ENCOUNTER IN ACTION
NOW AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND
Get a sneak-peek into our Spark Encounters and learn what Career Sparks is all about.
Just click below! If you like what you see, sign up for our FREE 14 day trial.
TV TITANS
CAREER: ACTOR
When the camera is on, TV Titans perform at their very best! During this Spark Encounter you'll learn just what it takes to bring a character to life by the amazing art of acting. Don't miss this opportunity to learn all about being an actor for the iconic studio Disney and what it feels like to have fans world-wide!
SPORTS SUPERSTARS
CAREER: SPORTS COMMENTATOR
Professional athletes make sports look easy, like Miami Marlin Matt Joyce and Dodger Legend Ron Cey who share their experiences and journeys through MLB. Lea B. Olsen, an athlete herself will also share what it's like to be a professional sports commentator for FOX Sports and the excitement she gets from interviewing sports stars like Steph Currry!
BUSINESS INNOVATORS
CAREER: BRAND MANAGER
Featuring two brand thought leaders Simon T. Bailey, the first African American Director of Sales for the Disney Institute, and Norma Rener, brand executive and fashion powerhouse for the Jessica Simpson brand. You'll learn what it takes to develop, build, and manage brands that are known world-wide.
GAMING GIANTS
CAREERS: ART DIRECTOR, WRITER
Innovative video game leaders Patrick Murphy - Art Director for Epic Games (Fortnite Battle Royale) and Graham McNeill - Principal Narrative Writer for Riot Games shared their interests, passions and journeys within one of the world's most popular entertainment activities.
SPACE SUPERHEROES
CAREER: SPACE SCIENCE COMMUNICATOR
NASA Solar System Ambassador Dominique Butler shared her journey of pursuing a career as a Space Science Communicator. Dominique is actively involved in educational outreach with space science organizations to bring her love for astronomy to students here on Earth!
MEDICAL WARRIORS (PART 1)
CAREERS: SPORTS MEDICINE DR., DENTIST, NURSE
Medical Warriors Dr. Dennis Borna, a Sports Medicine Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Ryan Grier a Surgical Dentist and Tammy Murray a Nurse Practitioner both from Harbor UCLA Medical Center describe the amazing field of medicine. Learn about the long road it takes to become a medical professional.
MEDICAL WARRIORS (PART 2)
CAREERS: SURGEON, SPORTS MEDICINE DOCTOR
Dr. Christine Dauphine, Dr. Beverly Petrie and Dr. Gloria Sanchez from Harbor UCLA Medical Center are all accomplished doctors. Their passion to teach and train young doctors in communities that need it most make them our Career Heroes! Learn more about these amazing women in this Spark Encounter.
LIVE SPARK ENCOUNTERS
-PROGRAM CALENDAR-
2020-2021 ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR
SPACE SUPERHEROES (PART 2)
JUNE 2, 2021
UNIVERSITY LIVE
August 3, 2021
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Check out this step-by-step guide on how to participate in a Live Spark Encounter.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF SPARKLERS!
STUDENT
Have the flexibility to connect individually on your own schedule...at home, with friends or on the go. You decide when and where!
TEACHER
Bring career heroes virtually into your classroom with consistent, turnkey programming, customizable for small groups or full-class participation.
YOUTH ORGANIZATION
Build career aspirations within your organization by giving your group the opportunity to connect with career professionals.
SPARKLER SUPPORTER
Be the spark in young lives by helping students explore their futures! Contribute to building community.
JOIN NOW & ENJOY A FREE 14 DAY TRIAL
Get full access to Live and On-Demand Spark Encounters, as well as grade level Resources...now!
You may cancel your trial at any time.
"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows"
- Sydney J. Harris
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