MindSpark

MindSpark is an after-school organization that provides an opportunity for students of all backgrounds to explore the technical, team-based projects typical of demographically selective, well-funded gifted programs. We currently lead a 10-week Finance program at E.K. Powe Elementary on Thursdays from 4:00 – 5:00 PM. Our focus this semester is aiding these elementary school students, especially young girls, through a stock market simulation game which allows them to buy and sell stocks as they rise and fall according to the actual stock market. We also recently expanded to Lyon Park Recreation Center on alternating Tuesdays and Fridays from 4-5pm. This curriculum gives low-income students first time exposure to STEM activities such as basic JavaScript coding, Lego robotics, and logic puzzles. MindSpark seeks to instill critical and creative thinking, problem solving, independent learning, and, ultimately, confidence in minority and low-income students interested in Finance and STEM. Goals include growth of personal and academic self-discipline, pursuit of unique investigations, development of problem-solving techniques, development of realistic and healthy concepts of self and others, and willingness to assume leadership and responsibility. Students at both E.K. Powe and Lyon Park Rec Center are placed in a learning environment in which they are encouraged to go beyond the known and obvious, where process is emphasized over factual learning, and scholarly exploration is expected and facilitated. With growing student interest, MindSpark wants to expand to more local public schools in coming semesters.