Rising juniors and seniors recently received information about a highly selective program called Spark! aimed to help develop entrepreneurial and critical thinking skills.

The Spark! program, designed by a team of 11 business experts, will only take 15 students total from Parkway North, South, West, Central and Fern Ridge.

“Ideally, each class would represent multiple interests and talents so that students would collaborate with multi-talented teams to carry out project objectives. For the first year, counselors, teachers and principals are encouraged to share information regarding this program with students they think may be interested,” Parkway Coordinator of Career and Technical Education, Jennifer Stanfill said.

Students accepted into the program will attend Spark! for first through third hour. They will return to campus for fourth through seventh hours.

“It will be off-campus, but the location is still to be determined,” counselor, Chris Lorenz said.

While the program is business based, students of all interests are invited to apply.

“One of the goals of the course is to create an authentic working environment for students to be supported in pursuing their passions through entrepreneurial endeavors,” Stanfill said.

The application process includes an online application (here) as well as a one-minute video, pitching an innovative product, an innovative service or a student’s personal strengths and how they could contribute to the program’s success.

“Some students are concerned with the impact on their schedules, but I think for an opportunity like this, it is definitely something you may want to consider working through with your counselor. Because Parkway is only taking 15 students district-wide, it is definitely a selective program,” Lorenz said.

Contact your counselor for more information on the application process if the Spark! program interests you. Applications are due May 1.