Executive Summary

Spark is a Black-led organization and our staff racial demographics reflects our community: 50% are Black, 30% White, 11% Asian or Middle Eastern, and 9% Latino. Mentorship offers BIPOC young people pathways in a system that wasn’t designed to work for them. We target our resources to reach students impacted by drastic income disparity. Spark’s programming enables our students to overcome barriers and ignite their futures. From our students, mentors, board members, partners, and staff, we come together to help our young adults succeed. Whether it be higher education, direct career entry, or personal goals, every young person deserves to lead a life of their own choosing.

Studies show that education is key to increasing social and economic mobility— and we are dedicated to supporting the academic and professional growth of students. Spark matches young adults from low-income communities with adult mentors who equip them with the required skills, resources, and experiences to excel academically and professionally. Through mentorship, we have supported hundreds of young people who strive and persist to achieve economic mobility.

One student said, “If I didn’t have a mentor, I would not be where I am today. I would not be in college without her support. She helped me with the college application process, encouraged me, and gave me the confidence to apply to colleges I wouldn’t have considered. Spark also helped me prepare for college through campus tours, financial aid workshops, and career exploration events. The college tours showed me what college life would be like.”

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