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
MEDICAL WARRIORS (PART 1)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24TH, 10AM (PT)
Not all superheroes wear capes...sometimes they wear scrubs! Learn about the extensive training and on-going education doctors and nurses experience to deliver excellent health care to our communities. You'll learn about the incredible job tasks these medical warriors complete each day, including SAVING LIVES! Hear directly from a panel of medical professionals as they share their experiences and journeys through medical/nursing/dental school and direct on-the-job training.
SPORTS MEDICINE DOCTOR
DENNIS BORNA, MD
KAISER PERMANENTE
Dr. Borna is a Family Medicine Physician specializing in Sports Medicine and serves as the Physician in Charge of Family Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Medical Offices of Fontana. Dr. Borna is the team physician for local sports teams, covering football games and treating athletes from the sidelines. Join Dr. Borna as he shares how his life-long passion for sports has helped him carve out a successful career in Sports Medicine.
DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY
RYAN GRIER, DDS, MBA
HARBOR UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
Dr. Grier has served as Program Director of the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center General Practice Residency Program since 2017 as an enthusiastic and creative clinical educator. Learn how Dr. Grier diligently pursued his academic career from a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Morehouse College, a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Howard University College of Dentistry and the completion of General Practice Residency from LAC+USC Medical Center, and a Master of Business Administration Degree from The UCLA Anderson School of Management.
TAMALA MURPHY, NP
HARBOR UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
Ms. Tamala Murray is a Family Nurse Practitioner with special training and skill in family-centric general health care. Tamala performs preventative, diagnostic and treatment procedures for a variety of diseases, conditions, and injuries. Currently, she is working in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She graduated with honors in 1997. Having more than 24 years of diverse experiences, Tamala still finds wonder in learning and is currently pursuing her nursing Doctoral program at UCLA.
MEDICAL WARRIORS (PART 2)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 10AM (PT)
SURGEON: ONCOLOGIST
CHRISTINE DAUPHINE, MD
HARBOR UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
SURGEON: COLORECTAL
BEVELRY PETRIE, MD
HARBOR UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
FAMILY MEDICINE
GLORIA SANCHEZ, MD
HARBOR UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
These Live Spark Encounters are supported with full lesson plans, packed with activities custom made for these encounters. Sign up for our FREE 14 day trial by clicking below or if you're already a member, register your class today!
MEDICAL WARRIORS (PART 1)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 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 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!
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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