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  • Corporate Social Responsibilty | MindSpark Learning

    Explore how MindSpark partners with businesses to drive impactful CSR and ESG initiatives. Together, we close skills gaps, promote diversity, and build future-ready workforces through education Together, We Spark a Better Tomorrow Shaping Futures and Strengthening Industries Let’s be honest—education isn’t just a feel-good investment. It’s the foundation of your future workforce and the future of your industry. The talent pipeline you rely on begins in classrooms, and if education doesn’t evolve to meet the demands of the modern world, industries will continue to face a severe skills gap that stifles innovation, growth, and economic competitiveness. Impact Beyond the Classroom: Your Partnership, Our Mission WHAT WE KNOW: The Skills Gap Is Real—and It’s Growing Industries across the board are struggling to find workers with the right mix of technical and soft skills. AI, STEM, critical thinking, leadership—these aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the skills that determine whether your company thrives or falls behind. The reality is, schools aren’t equipped to teach these skills without significant support and collaboration with industry leaders like you. Why Partner With MindSpark Future Ready Communities Start Here... At MindSpark, we don’t just improve education—we transform it to meet the needs of modern industry. We equip educators to bring real-world, industry-aligned skills like coding, AI, and critical thinking into the classroom. Instead of patchwork solutions, we tackle the core challenges head-on: outdated teaching practices that fail to prepare students for today’s workforce, limited access to cutting-edge technology in underserved communities, and the lack of targeted, high-impact training for educators. By addressing these systemic issues, we ensure classrooms become pipelines of talent that meet your industry’s most pressing demands. MindSpark isn’t just an education partner—it’s your go-to strategy for building a future-ready workforce. Activate us to generate generational impact. Why Industry Leaders Choose—and Return to—MindSpark Industry giants like Samsung , KPMG , Lockheed Martin , OtterBox , and IBM don’t just partner with MindSpark—they count on us. Here’s why: 1. We Deliver ROI Through a Future-Ready Workforce MindSpark creates tailored, high-impact programs that solve real-world challenges. From workforce readiness to leadership development, we ensure your investment translates into a stronger, more skilled talent pipeline that directly benefits your business. 2. We Speak Your Language—and Act on It We understand what keeps industry leaders up at night: the growing skills gap, the need for diverse perspectives, and the demand for innovation. Our programs are designed with these priorities in mind, equipping educators to teach exactly the skills your industry needs—critical thinking, STEM expertise, AI fluency, and leadership. 3. We Amplify Your CSR Impact With MindSpark, your investment doesn’t just tick a box—it drives measurable, scalable outcomes. For example: We upskilled over 100,000 educators in AI across North America before AI was the daily buzz. We have designed and launched 40+ unique career pathways in rural communities directly tied to local industry. We have galvanized over 284,000 partnerships for the communities we serve, and through our workforce development programs, we have contributed $325M to GDP growth . 90% of industry partners involved in MindSpark Learning programs report that students they’ve interacted with are better prepared for the workforce compared to those from schools without such programs. Employers who have hired students or interns from MindSpark Learning’s programs report an 85% satisfaction rate with the students’ preparedness, skills, and adaptability in the workplace. MindSpark’s STEM and AI programs are nationally recognized. We have served over 3 million students. 4. We Customize, Scale, and Deliver No cookie-cutter solutions here. We create custom programs tailored to your industry’s challenges and scale them to meet local, regional, and national needs. Whether it’s credentialing educators, integrating new technologies into classrooms, or building leadership pipelines, we deliver on time, on target, and with measurable results. 5. We’re Proven, Trusted, and Focused on Outcomes Industry partners return because we don’t just promise results—we achieve them. Our problem-based learning approach has transformed classrooms into innovation hubs, ensuring students graduate ready to contribute to the rapidly changing workforce. 6. We Share Your Vision Like you, we’re committed to innovation, access, and growth. MindSpark ensures your investment doesn’t just impact schools—it builds stronger communities, diversifies your talent pool, and enhances your industry’s long-term success. Get Involved—Because It’s Your Future Too Industry can’t afford to stand on the sidelines. By investing in education, you’re not just doing good—you’re doing smart business. Together, we can close the skills gap, foster diversity, and build a future workforce that’s as innovative and adaptable as the challenges ahead. Let’s stop talking about why education matters and start doing something about it. Partner with MindSpark and make an investment in your industry’s future—because education is everyone’s business. Let's Connect

  • OnDemand Give Back | MindSpark Learning

    MindSpark OnDemand Give Back helps your business upskill teams in modern AI practices while gifting professional development to local educators. Invest in your community today! Invest in Your Team. Transform Your Community. Upskill your staff while giving the gift of professional growth to educators in your community. Get Started > OnDemand Give Back MindSpark OnDemand Give Back is an innovative partnership designed to create lasting community impact through education. When your organization invests in professional development, you unlock powerful learning experiences for your own team — or a nonprofit of your choice — and for educators shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Ways to Give Back: Invest in Your Team + Support Local Educators Purchase 25 OnDemand subscriptions for your staff and receive 25 additional subscriptions to gift to educators at a local school of your choice. Support a Local Nonprofit + Local Educators Purchase 25 OnDemand subscriptions to gift to a local nonprofit and an additional 25 subscriptions for educators at a local school of your choice. Exclusively Support Local Educators Purchase 25 OnDemand subscriptions to gift educators at a local school of your choice. Choose Your Impact > After your purchase, MindSpark will email you confirming the recipients of your purchase. Benefits for Your Organization: Future-Proof Your Team: Upskill your employees in modern Applied AI (AAI) and Responsible AI (RAI) practices essential for today's workplaces with our OnDemand courses. Strengthen Your Community Presence: Build genuine relationships and goodwill by supporting local schools and educators. Enhance Your Corporate Social Responsibility: Showcase your organization's commitment to meaningful education initiatives, enhancing your brand and reputation. Pricing: $500 for 50 Subscriptions: 25 courses for Teachers + 25 general AI courses $250 for 25 Subscriptions: 25 courses for Teachers Each purchase includes a 6-month subscription bundle to OnDemand. After this period, renewal is only $5.98/month. Purchase > Looking for a custom solution? We're happy to accommodate your vision. Contact Us > MindSpark is a forerunner in the AI Education space, and we are best positioned to address the current education-to-workforce gaps. Our experiences have transformed tens of thousands of educators, and by extension, hundreds of thousands of students. MindSpark is here to help -- to guide, nurture, and educate. Responsible AI provides context and confidence to educators looking for a sustainable, effective, and inclusive way to engage with AI in the classroom. You might say creating a better future is a our responsibility. Why MindSpark? Since 2017, MindSpark has impacted over 91,000 professionals. Help us bring powerful professional development to your community next. Hear What Educators Say About MindSpark OnDemand: “I was shown many ways you can use these AI tools to improve education for students, parent communication, personal organization, and streamline content creation making a better use of my time actually teaching.” - Tina R., Middle School STEM Educator "This course really helped build my comfortability with AI. I felt there were a lot of varied grade level and cross-content examples which led my brain to spin with all the ways I can use it in my grade and content... While taking the course, I played around with using AI to create stories the kids would be able to use with those skills in them which is exciting! - Lauren S., 5th Grade Educator

  • SparkPrompts | MindSpark Learning

    MindSpark Learning's SparkPrompts for AI is a monthly series designed to assist educators in exploring artificial intelligence. Each prompt offers unique benefits and professional growth opportunities. Additionally, an interactive simulation allows educators to engage directly with an AI model, serving as an introductory experience to natural language processing in AI. Welcome to SparkPrompts Where innovation meets education in the realm of Artificial Intelligence. SparkPrompts for AI is a monthly series of prompts, created to help, guide, and support educators in their AI explorations. Each prompt offers unique benefits and opportunities for professional growth. In addition to each month's prompt, we've developed an interactive simulation specifically for educators. This experience will take you on an immersive journey where you’ll communicate directly with an AI model. While we encourage interaction with AI programs, this simulation acts as a stepping stone for those taking their first strides into the world of natural language processing in AI. SparkPrompt: Generate Differentiated Lesson Plans Try SparkPrompt Looking for More SparkPrompts? Subscribe to OnDemand Unlimited to access our growing list of SparkPrompts! Subscribe

  • Higher Education Accelerator | MindSpark Learning

    Explore MindSpark's Higher Education Accelerator (HEA), a continuous leadership and innovation incubator helping colleges and universities develop scalable solutions for enrollment and workforce alignment. Learn about industry-integrated labs, cross-sector co-design models, and flexible learning frameworks shaping the future of higher education. Higher Education Accelerator The Higher Education Accelerator (HEA ) is an immersive, 6 – 9 month leadership and innovation incubator that supports colleges and universities in developing bold, scalable solutions for enrollment, workforce alignment, and long-term institutional relevance. Why It Matters Now : The problem: Higher education is facing a reckoning. Across the nation, enrollment numbers are plummeting, public skepticism is rising, and workforce alignment gaps are widening. The traditional pathways that once ensured stable enrollment and career readiness no longer resonate with today’s learners. The question isn’t just how to fill seats. It’s how to redefine higher education’s value in a world that demands agility, relevance, and innovation. EXPERT INSIGHT: Watch the Webinar: Future-Proofing Higher Education to hear from leaders shaping the future of postsecondary education through real-world collaboration. What if institutions built education models that matched the speed of industry change - not just followed it? What if students didn’t have to choose between degrees and workforce readiness because higher education provided both seamlessly? These aren’t theoretical discussions. MindSpark is leading this transformation with the HEA. Watch the Webinar What Makes the HEA Powerful ? HEA isn’t a workshop – it's a design studio for the future of education. This accelerator equips colleges and universities to develop bold, scalable solutions to enrollment challenges, workforce misalignment, and outdated academic models. It’s about rethinking what higher education can be - building flexible, student-centered systems that align with the evolving demands of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce. Industry-Integrated Innovation Labs: Schools partner with leading employers to co-create high-impact degree pathways. K-12 & Higher Ed Integration Lab: A first-of-its-kind cross-sector co-design model, ensuring students seamlessly transition from high school to career-aligned college experiences. Entrepreneurial Approach to Enrollment: Schools apply design thinking to create nimble, adaptable learning models. Why MindSpark? MindSpark Learning has spent years breaking down silos between education, industry, and community stakeholders. Our Education Accelerators (EAs) have results: 6,822 industry partnerships forged across education and business sectors ∞ revolutionized learning models 27+ unique career pathways created that directly align with workforce demands 25% increase in student readiness for careers & post-secondary education Ready to launch a Higher Education Accelerator for your institution? Please take a moment to fill out the form. First Name Last Name Title Work Email Leave us a message... Submit Thank you, we'll be in touch!

  • AI Careers | MindSpark Learning

    Embark on a transformative journey into the world of AI careers with our IBM AI Course. Uncover the limitless possibilities that Artificial Intelligence offers for aspiring professionals. Gain invaluable insights, hands-on experiences, and expert guidance, empowering you to navigate the exciting landscape of AI-driven careers. AI and Your Curriculum - The Perfect Marriage Register Here How can we prepare students for a future we can’t see, when our world is being constantly changed by the advancement of technology? In this course you will understand the effect AI is having on the future of work, and how the skills needed to be successful in the future have changed. Practice and identify these skills with a Scratch project via IBM’s “Machine Learning for Kids” and collaborate using pair programming. Build these employability skills in students to prepare them for anything. What previous attendees have said about this webinar: “I learned how AI plays an integral role in employability for future work. As educators it is important that we teach the future employees and leaders of tomorrow about the evolving world that we live in. With the major role of AI in the development and advancement of the world, teaching students the way we were taught is not going to produce 21st-century individuals. As educators we must teach for the future and the future is AI!” “This course gave me great ideas about infusing AI into my curriculum.” By the end of the online webinar, you will have: An understanding of how the workforce is changing, and the skills students need to be successful in the future Started a machine learning project that you could use in your classroom An extensive toolkit of resources A graphic organizer to capture your thoughts and learning Topic: AI Implementation in the Classroom Format: On-Demand

  • IBM AI | MindSpark Learning

    Crafted by and for educators, IBM AI Education is an immersive, online professional learning suite of FREE, live and on-demand webinars taken to the next level. These webinars series guide educators through the foundational concepts of AI and K-12 classroom connections. IBM AI Education Free Webinars for K-12 Educators Prepare Your Students for Their Future Careers Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all around us, from self-driving cars, digital assistants, rideshare apps, banking apps, and so much more. Experts say AI will change 100% of jobs over the next 10 years, but there is a fear that the next generation isn’t prepared for the shift to AI. It's imperative for teachers to learn how to infuse their content and curriculum with the knowledge, skills, and values driving innovation in AI today so that their students are prepared to be successful in the modern workforce, regardless of their career paths. IBM AI Education is an online professional learning suite of FREE on-demand courses, crafted by and for educators. The nine webinars will guide educators through AI’s foundational concepts and K-12 classroom connections. Be the first to know about new AI Learning Experiences for Educators Keep Me Updated Learning Experience Overview Learn about AI’s foundational concepts and K-12 classroom connections. Gain ideas on how to incorporate AI fundamentals into your curriculum. Earn the IBM AI Education badge when you attend all nine webinars. Webinar Topics Introduction to AI Creating a Spark for Artificial Intelligence Dive into this introductory course and get familiar with the basics of AI. Learn and define five key terms (AI, neural network, big data, algorithm and machine learning) through analogy, interactive games and activities. Build tools to use with your own students to expose them to AI concepts, and hear from an IBM expert about the importance of play in education. Computational Thinking AI Here, AI There ... AI Who, What, Where? Learn how to teach your students to solve real-life problems using AI. Get access to AI teaching tools and resources, such as a sorting activity that activates prior knowledge about AI, an engaging game that teaches computational thinking, and a curated collection of videos that illustrate how AI affects future jobs, shapes social media experiences, helps keep communities safe, and more. Ethics Ethics in AI – Can You Crack the Moral Code? How do ethics come into play in AI? The moral dilemmas in AI are complex, but the issues are critical, generating material for educators across disciplines to initiate authentic and relevant discussions with their students. Hear from an IBM AI expert on the breadth and depth of this topic and walk away with resources and activities to exemplify and frame these conversations. Robotics Amplifying Potential - Beyond Programming and Coding Address a common fear: Will robots take my job? To answer this question, you will understand where human discomfort with robots comes from, examine the difference between a robot and an artificially intelligent robot, and see robots that help humankind in action. Learn how students can build their own artificially intelligent robot and how to facilitate student creativity with IBM’s TJBot. Design Thinking AI Can and Should Be Inclusive – Design Thinking Helps! Grow your understanding of AI through the lens of equity-centered design thinking, a creative problem-solving process. Familiarize yourself with IBM’s Design Thinking Field Guide activities including empathy mapping and storyboarding, and create a prompt for your students. Examine bias in AI and develop ways to mitigate these preconceived notions. Take this back to the classroom with tools to encourage students to examine and address their own biases. Diversity and Inclusion Building a Culture of Inclusivity Examine your own tech experience as you explore the roles of gender, race, and bias in technology and STEM fields. Grow your toolkit with resources for diversifying your own computer science and STEM programs so that your students can gain awareness of how AI affects them, and join the fight against algorithmic bias and injustice. Natural Language Processing How Do Siri, Alexa, and Watson Understand Me? Walk a mile in a machine’s shoes and experience the complexity of human language - and what it takes for a computer to understand us! Like art, AI imitates life - and can hold up a mirror to reveal patterns in human speech. See examples of how NLP can be used for social good - get students thinking about other applications of this powerful technology. Careers AI and Your Curriculum - The Perfect Marriage How can we prepare students for a future we can’t see, when our world is being constantly changed by the advancement of technology? In this course you will understand the effect AI is having on the future of work, and how the skills needed to be successful in the future have changed. Practice and identify these skills with a Scratch project via IBM’s “Machine Learning for Kids” and collaborate using pair programming. Build these employability skills in students to prepare them for anything. Machine Learning Machines Can Learn – But They Need Our Help! Can a piece of paper be intelligent? Answer this question as part of a larger discussion around intelligence, then play the role of a computer to understand how a machine learns. Learn more specific subsets of machine learning by comparing them to how students learn in the classroom, and take away activities to share these concepts with your students. IBM AI Foundations for Educators Badge Attendees of all nine online webinar topics (live or on-demand) will have the opportunity to take a certification quiz and earn their IBM AI Foundations for Educators Badge. This badge certifies that the recipient has become fluent and knowledgeable in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Badge recipients will have an understanding of AI applications such as machine learning and natural language processing, along with how it is used to solve problems, collect data and identify bias. They will also have become equipped to share the foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence with their colleagues and students in their classrooms. Ready to earn your badge? If you’ve completed all nine webinars, click “Access Badges” below and complete the form. We will send you information on how to access your badge quiz once the form is submitted. Access Badges +

  • Newsletter Registration | MindSpark Learning

    Stay up to date with all things MindSpark! Our monthly newsletter shares upcoming events, free resources, OnDemand announcements, and so much more! Let's Stay in Touch Stay informed with our monthly newsletter featuring updates on MindSpark events, free resources, new blogs, the latest OnDemand releases, and more! First name* Last name* Email* State Receive information for events, grants, and other resources in your area Yes, I consent to receiving newsletters, marketing promotions, and other resources from MindSpark Learning * Submit

  • AAI Trail Guide | MindSpark Learning

    Learn how to use AI as a thought partner in your workplace with MindSpark’s Applied AI Trail Guide. Explore MindSpark's principles and values shaping their usage with AI tools like ChatGPT, NLP, and Generative AI. Download the guide and learn more about MindSpark's AI practices and expertise. MindSpark's Applied AI Trail Guide Explore MindSpark's Applied AI (AAI) Trail Guide for insights into the commitments and beliefs shaping our AI practices. As a leader in AI education, the AAI Trail Guide is a testament to our expertise, reflecting our commitment to staying at the forefront of AI education. In the AAI Trail Guide, discover our core beliefs and commitments that shape our use and the creation of our AI professional learning experiences. Designed for leaders and practitioners navigating the landscape of AI, the AAI Trail Guide serves as both a compass and an open invitation for you to explore the principles shaping our educational approach. Join us as we navigate, explore, and learn together, seizing the full potential of Applied AI. Download Explore our other Applied AI Resources: Applied AI for Educators Gain practical skills, knowledge, and applications of AI in the classroom in this online learning experience for educators. AAI Course Details

  • Consulting Services | MindSpark Learning

    Unlock the full potential of your educational institution with MindSpark's Consulting Services. Our unparalleled professional learning experiences drive transformative progress, addressing crucial challenges like teacher retention and cultural evolution. From tailored development programs to fostering peer collaboration, we uplift educators at every career stage. Partner with us to cultivate a thriving school community and enhance student outcomes. Consulting Services MindSpark Learning cultivates whole person growth and sustained organizational outcomes through the most expansive, customized, and extraordinary professional learning experiences in the world. With our guidance, you will confront essential challenges and foster transformational progress by embedding key practices and strategies within your school or district. We draw on the expertise of impassioned researchers and practitioners such as former educators and industry leaders to solve critical issues around educator retention, cultural evolution, and school re-design. Our Educator Consulting Services provide a space for teachers and school leaders to develop and enhance their professional practice by leveraging the following beliefs: We design responsive professional development experiences for teachers and education leaders at every stage of their career. We furnish tools, resources, and techniques that educators can readily implement in their schools and classrooms with a living blueprint for change. We activate peer-to-peer interactions for educators to develop a sense of connection, comradery, collaboration, and belonging. We galvanize industry mentorship and allyship that perpetuates mutually beneficial relationships for students, educators, and their school systems. Learn how we can improve the lives of youth through education, and help you bring out the best in your school and district. Let's Talk

  • IBM AI EA | MindSpark Learning

    Discover how IBM AI EA is revolutionizing the non-profit sector. Uncover the power of AI at MindSpark Learning Educators for the Future: An AI Education Accelerator In the sprawling city of Los Angeles, where dreams are as diverse as the people who call it home, an ambitious initiative was taking shape. It aimed to bridge the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest K-12 district in the United States, recognized the urgency of preparing its students for the future. It was a district filled with promise, where over 70% of the students identified as Latino, and 10% as Black or African American. The educator population was equally diverse, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of the city. The IBM Artificial Intelligence Education Accelerator (EA) program was the catalyst for this transformation. It was designed to upskill educators in the development and integration of Computer Science (CS) and AI across the district. This was not merely about teaching technology; it was about unlocking opportunities, promoting equity, and filling the workforce gaps that loomed on the horizon. The Burning Glass Revelation The program's foundation rested on a revelation from a report by Burning Glass Technologies in 2020. Markow and Sederberg identified AI and machine learning as the most disruptive skills, projected to grow in demand by a staggering 71% over the next five years. The data spoke loudly: the future belonged to AI and ML, and Los Angeles Unified School District was determined to equip its students and educators to be a part of it. The Three Prongs of Transformation The AI Education Accelerator had three distinct components, each with a unique mission. The Teacher Leader Network (TLN) : Sixty-three educators from fifty-one different schools formed this group. They embarked on a journey from a beginner's level of AI knowledge to becoming torchbearers for AI and CS education. The TLN groups took on the challenge of developing innovative AI and CS education pathways. The Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI) : Comprised of administrators, central office staff, instructional technology facilitators, and EdTech coaches, the ITI group had a critical role. They discussed labor market needs, workforce gaps, and how to prepare students for the evolving job landscape in AI and CS. The Digital Citizen Team (DC) : Seventy participants from practitioner and Verizon Innovative Learning Schools came together in this group. They delved into concepts like misinformation, 'deepfakes,' and the intersection of AI and social studies. Their aim was to explore AI concepts and share their knowledge with colleagues and students. Challenges and Goals Los Angeles Unified School District faced a profound challenge: how to ensure equitable access to quality AI and CS education. The answer lay in empowering educators. The TLN group, in particular, created plans to actively engage students in AI and CS concepts, guided by international standards. They saw AI as a tool for good and an opportunity to dissect false narratives perpetuated by big data and algorithms. One participant encapsulated the experience: "The hands-on experience and the resources were a highlight of my time. This was very engaging and allowed us to take part actively. Thank you for providing the tools that we can use in the classroom right away." The Work Done by Participants Participants did not stop at acquiring knowledge. They actively engaged with colleagues to develop implementation plans in their respective schools and communities. They tackled ethical considerations head-on, experiencing simulations like the Social Credit Score that opened their eyes to underlying biases. These experiences paved the way for more profound discussions on the ethical implications of AI. Following these discussions, participants went back to their classrooms, implementing new content, upskilling their colleagues, and returning with evidence of their progress. They created curriculum and resources, taught AI lessons, and led professional development sessions. Sustaining Progress and Involving the Community For the TLN group, the journey did not end with the program. They formed AI committees in their schools, shared successes through exhibitions, newsletters, and social media, and engaged with parents and industry partners to identify community problems solvable with AI. They created a ripple effect, involving the community and ensuring that AI's relevance extended beyond the classroom. In the spirit of collaboration, the district planned to work with other educational institutions that had implemented AI in K-12 settings, sharing knowledge and support. Instructional Technology Initiative: Fostering Ethical AI Conversations The ITI group embarked on a journey to prepare students for AI's ethical implications. They explored AI's use for social good, analyzed diversity in AI, and created pathways for their students. Their discussions centered on supporting L.A. Unified educators in embracing and implementing CS and AI education. Digital Citizen Group: Exploring AI Concepts The DC group ventured into visual representation of misinformation, 'deepfakes,' and the evolving field of AI studies. They explored employability skills and took the Turing Test to differentiate human responses from computer responses. Their discussions went beyond theory, focusing on practical applications for students. Conclusion: The Impact of the Education Accelerator Program Through the Education Accelerator program, Los Angeles Unified School District educators transcended from beginners to leaders in AI education. They empowered themselves and their students, recognizing the importance of AI in the future workforce. The partnership between MindSpark and the district ensured equitable access to AI and CS education, making these subjects integral to learning. In the city of dreams, the dreamers were now equipped with the skills and knowledge to shape the future. Los Angeles Unified School District had taken a bold step, ensuring that AI and ML were not just technological buzzwords but tools of empowerment for its diverse and promising student population. Learn More With Our Webinar Series View our webinar with L.A. Unified discussing equitable computer science and AI education:

  • Massachusetts School Funding Grant | MindSpark Learning

    MindSpark Learning collaborates with Massachusetts educators to secure the Targeted Assistance Grant, offering approximately $4.5 million to enhance educational equity and student achievement. We provide tailored support, including professional development and grant writing assistance, to align with state standards and effectively implement improvement initiatives. Top of Page About the Grant Partner With MindSpark How We Support You Our Partners Why We Do It Maximizing Your Grant Resources Hi, Massachusetts Educators! Are you ready to transform your school? With significant funding available to Massachusetts schools, MindSpark is your partner in securing and maximizing funding from this grant. The Targeted Assistance Grant is a unique opportunity to help your school implement your highest priority improvement initiatives. Let us help you turn your education goals into a reality! Receive Updates About the Grant The Center for School and District Partnership designed the Targeted Assistance Grant program to support the implementation of needs identified in the district prioritization or similar process used to determine the district's highest priority for improvement. The activities the district selects will promote educational equity by providing support that aligns with DESE's Educational Vision. Approximately $4,500,000 is available in funding to increase student achievement by expanding school districts' capacity to support and educate students who have traditionally been marginalized. LEARN MORE Grant Application Deadline: Monday, September 30, 2024, 5:00 PM Eastern These Funds Can Support: Develop and sustain a diverse, culturally responsive well-prepared workforce Cultivating systems to support the whole student Promotion of Deeper Learning Is My School Eligible? Eligible schools are those identified under the 2023 Massachusetts District and School Accountability System as in the bottom 10 percentiles, have a federal designation, or are identified as underperforming and supported by the Center for School and District Partnership (CSDP). Let MindSpark Be Your Partner in Grant Success Our non-profit partners with schools and educators to attain and utilize these types of unique funding to align with your state’s standards. Partnering with MindSpark means maximizing your chances of grant approval and ensuring the funds are used effectively to achieve your school's goals. Our proven track record and deep expertise in the field set us apart. We’ve secured over $700,000 in grant funding and never lost a grant we’ve partnered on. Grant Funding in 3 Easy Steps: 1 Discuss your school's needs and grant goals with MindSpark. We'll tailor learning experiences, create K-12 pathways, and align them with state requirements. Optional grant writing support is also available. 2 Collaborate with MindSpark to prepare and submit your grant application, ensuring all requirements are met comprehensively and professionally. 3 Funding received! Meet with MindSpark to strategize and map out initiatives, setting clear timelines to achieve your grant outcomes effectively. Thinking about applying for this grant? Talk with Jacki, our Vice President of Computer Science Education and Initiatives, to let us help you boost your chances of receiving funding from this grant. Email Jacki to Schedule a Call How We Support You Part of our mission is to support educators like you, to help you increase the likelihood of receiving grant funds with: Expert Grant Writing Providing writing support and recommendations for compelling proposals that win. Deep-Dive Research Identifying grants perfectly aligned with your school's mission. Strategic Partnership We build strong collaborations to enhance your grant application. Our Partners MindSpark is a proud member and partner with leading organizations dedicated to expanding access to education. Why We Do What We Do Our mission is clear: to increase access and opportunity for all students. Our goal is to increase and diversify the talent pipeline through participation in CS, STEM, and career-connected learning. By partnering with schools, we aim to: Develop a skilled workforce: Cultivate the talent pipeline for a skilled Massachusetts workforce. Enhance educational outcomes: Improve student achievement and support educators through innovative programs. Maximizing Your Grant Securing a grant is just the beginning. Effective implementation is key to realizing its full potential. MindSpark is your partner in transforming grant funds into impactful programs. We’ll work closely with you to ensure grant funds align perfectly with your school’s mission and vision. We understand that every school is unique. Valuable resources can be misallocated or underutilized. Our expertise lies in tailoring strategies to align with your school's specific needs and goals along with the new Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards . Our Focus is On: Teacher Professional Development Providing comprehensive and effective professional development. Curriculum Enhancement Developing engaging, standards-aligned curriculum. Resource Optimization Maximizing the impact of equipment and materials. Data-Driven Results Measuring and improving program effectiveness. Our Proven Track Record Speaks For Itself: We've successfully partnered with 108 out of 179 districts in our home state, and trained over 776 schools impacting more than 3,500 K-12 educators. READ MORE Resources to Support You Read the following resources about how we help support deeper learning: MindSpark’s Education Accelerator (EA) Model: Our EA is a professional learning experience for educators that provides an opportunity to develop instructional design, tiered systems, and structure. This model supports the three aspects of deeper learning defined by Massachusetts: identity, mastery, creativity) Igniting a Movement of Philanthropy Project: This project sparked creativity and innovation in students. We connected schools with community partners and increased student engagement to foster a positive learning environment where students thrive.

  • Leadership Blueprint Webinar | MindSpark Learning

    Explore the future of leadership with our webinar recap page. Discover strategies for cultivating innovative cultures, retaining top talent, and breaking down silos in leadership. Join industry experts as they discuss the evolving landscape of work, AI integration, and more. Ready to enhance your leadership skills? Access the recorded sessions and learn about our transformative Leadership Accelerator program, designed to reshape organizational cultures and drive long-term success. WEBINAR RECORDING The Leadership Blueprint: Reinventing Leadership Culture for a Future-Ready Workforce Leadership isn’t just about managing people — it’s about creating culture, driving innovation, and future-proofing organizations. Across industries, companies are struggling with employee disengagement, talent retention, and the need for more adaptive leadership models. The challenge isn’t just building better leaders. It’s about creating workplaces where employees want to stay, grow, and thrive. Follow along with the recorded webinar to hear our expert panel discuss: Culture-Driven Leadership: How to cultivate Innovator’s DNA, design high-performance teams, and workplace cultures that drive retention and engagement. Leadership That Retains Talent: Strategies to combat burnout, disengagement, and high turnover rates through transformational leadership. Breaking Down Silos in Leadership: How HR, CSR, and executive teams can align leadership culture with business strategy for long-term success. The Future of Work & Leadership: How cross-sector collaboration, workforce development, and AI integration will define leadership in the next decade. Ready to level up your leadership skills? Watch the Webinar Let's Chat When you're ready to explore how MindSpark can help your team retain top talent, future-proof your leadership model, and build cultures that thrive—we’d love to connect. Whether you’re looking to: Align leadership with business strategy Combat disengagement and burnout Build a scalable leadership development roadmap Or explore a cohort-based approach that drives real transformation We’re here to help you take the next step. Fill out this form and tell us a bit about your goals and we’ll follow up to schedule a personalized conversation. First Name Last Name Title Work Email Leave us a message... Submit Thank you, we'll be in touch! Hungry for more? Stay in touch to hear about our upcoming Leadership Accelerator program: an immersive 6–9-month cohort where executives, HR leaders, and corporate decision-makers work collaboratively to design leadership cultures that promote retention, grow engagement, and drive innovation. What makes the Leadership Accelerator powerful? ✔ Cohort-Based Transformation: Companies work together to tackle real-time leadership culture challenges. ✔ Embedded Leadership Development: Training that isn’t just an event, but a strategic shift. ✔ Workforce & Culture Alignment: Helping HR, CSR, and leadership teams synchronize business strategy with leadership impact. ✔ Data-Driven Leadership: Measuring success through talent retention, employee engagement, and business outcomes. The Leadership Accelerator is where today’s executives shape tomorrow’s culture. Designed for industry leaders ready to retain top talent, build resilience, and lead with clarity, the Accelerator equips organizations to rethink leadership from the inside out. We don’t teach leadership — we build the system for it to thrive.

  • Education Accelerators | MindSpark Learning

    MindSpark Education Accelerators are immersive learning experiences that equip educators with the skills and mindsets to innovate in their classrooms, schools, and districts. Learn from experts, collaborate with peers, and apply your learning to real-world challenges. Join an upcoming cohort and spark your education transformation. EDUCATION ACCELERATOR - Introducing - Higher Education Accelerator Learn More What Goes On at a MindSpark Learning Education Accelerator? Answering that question can be likened to explaining what happens at the orchestra. We can highlight the program pamphlet, but no description will ever compare to experiencing the music firsthand. However, we understand the importance of providing you with a glimpse of what an Education Accelerator (EA) can achieve - whether you are an industry leader hoping to sponsor an impactful education initiative or an education leader ready for transformation change. Velocity as a Means to Transformation Our EA is a leadership program dedicated to fostering organizational ingenuity within education systems. Organizations join MindSpark’s coveted accelerator at varying stages of development. Some may be in the early planning phases, while others have been implementing their approaches for years. Regardless of their starting point, our aim is to guide participants towards a markedly improved state within just six to nine months. Our unwavering commitment is to see cohort organizations emerge as shining examples of streamlined processes, vibrant cultures, and innovative educational paradigms. As for our industry partners, by investing in an EA, you'll play a pivotal role in building capacity and uplifting education systems. Once an accelerator has been funded by an industry or community partners, schools and organizations can apply. Together, we will reshape education—fostering passionate educators and engaged students. “When I started this journey 18 months ago, I didn’t realize how much we needed the spark. I was “stuck on an escalator”, silently screaming for help, not realizing we held the answers to our problems of practice all along. EA has been our spark, our catalyst, our ‘small fiery particle thrown off of a fire’ where the fire is produced when education meets industry and radical self-inquiry begins.” - District Administrator for Eaton School District 10 U.S. states served 22 Unique cohorts hosted 768 Participants activated 5,738 Partnerships forged 175,561 Students impacted EA QUICK FACTS: Sponsor an EA Apply for a Future EA A Launchpad to Bespoke Solutions EA is a launchpad that gives education leaders full autonomy over the trajectory of their organization’s future. Rooted in MindSpark’s trademarked disruption cycle, the EA is built to ensure systems are more intelligent, agile, and adaptive. EA’s strengthen education systems by strategically bridging community, industry, and education. Discover Begin by looking at your goals and work to develop a focused problem of practice. This will be used to create educator capability appraisals and determine baselines that will guide your journey and your action plan as you connect the threads between education, industry, and community. Design Work with industry experts, receive marketing support, and develop sustainable partnerships that will evolve alongside you in this developmental stage. Additionally, investigate the elements connected to the success of your teaching imperatives and strategic intersections. Do Time for action—work within your teams and partnerships to ensure your problem of practice finds resolution. You will be challenged to experiment and iterate upon your designs while receiving expert guidance from our team. Dynamize Prepare for the unknown by implementing blueprints for measuring and sustaining key performance indicators. Our team will continue to assist via team check-ins, individual coaching, and further professional development opportunities to ensure you are supported long after the closing ceremony. Collaborating for Change: Education Accelerators Driving Progress Equitable Career Pathways AI Education for the Future Opportunity for Every Learner As some states, like Kentucky, start to feel the pressures of workforce development challenges, MindSpark has helped to make their faculty and students workforce ready for industry standards. KPMG Kentucky Workforce EA Read how we changed the competitive landscape in Kentucky by introducing workforce, career pathways in school. Case Study “We have really worked (after the EA) to give our students an opportunity to find what is the best fit for them in their careers.” - KY EA collaborator AI is revolutionizing career pathways everywhere. In fact, AI jobs are forecast to increase in demand by 71% by 2025. MindSpark has been working with school districts to equip educators for the change. IBM Artificial Intelligence EA Read how our work with the York Region District School Board formed pathways for educators to teach AI responsibly. Case Study “The epiphany that AI connects to everything and that we must bring all to the table to create unbiased, ethical learning about it.” - IBM AI collaborator Fostering a collaborative community of innovative entrepreneurs starts with the educator. MindSpark assisted with our consistent and responsive design sessions, prioritizing collective genius. VELA Microschool's EA Read how local Colorado microschools leveled up their systems by developing skills in leadership, messaging, and strategic planning. Case Study “The most valuable part was focusing on what partners need and re-returning to our foundational ‘why’.” - VELA collaborator

  • Diversity & Inclusion | MindSpark Learning

    MindSpark Learning's Diversity & Inclusion program offers educators on-demand courses to explore the roles of gender, race, and bias in technology and STEM fields. Participants gain resources to diversify their computer science and STEM programs, empowering students to understand AI's impact and combat algorithmic bias. Building a Culture of Inclusivity Register Here Examine your own tech experience as you explore the roles of gender, race, and bias in technology and STEM fields. Grow your toolkit with resources for diversifying your own computer science and STEM programs so that your students can gain awareness of how AI affects them, and join the fight against algorithmic bias and injustice. What previous attendees have said about this webinar: “I was already aware that industry and education in computer science are not very diverse. This course introduced me to some resources that I can use to show my students why diversity matters and more importantly why being inclusive needs to be a student's default mode of action.” “The gender bias in AI was very interesting. I think it will spark good conversation with students.” By the end of the online webinar, you will have: An understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields Resources for making your STEM environment more diverse and inclusive Access to a community forum of educators implementing solutions and sharing An action plan to implement solutions in your community Topic: How AI Addresses Diversity and Inclusion (Note: This topic is exclusively available on-demand.) Format: On-Demand

  • STEMpath Alumni | MindSpark Learning

    MindSpark Learning's STEMpath Alumni page features testimonials from graduates of the STEMpath program, highlighting their experiences and the impact on their teaching careers. Alumni share insights on balancing the program with personal and professional responsibilities, new skills acquired, and the program's role in preparing students for the modern workforce. The page offers a glimpse into the supportive learning environment and the practical applications of the program's teachings. STEMpath Alumni Hear what our alumni have to say about STEMpath Ms. Kelsey R. STEMpath Graduation Year: 2019 School District: St. Vrain Valley Schools Teaching Focus: Computer Science and Engineering Number of Years Teaching: 10 What factors contributed towards your decision to apply to MindSpark Learning's STEMpath program? I was eager to gain industry experience through the summer externship. Specifically, I wanted to learn more technical skills for my computer science and engineering classes, but also see agile teams in action. It was important to me to improve how I design experiences for student teams that is realistic to the modern workplace. How are you balancing STEMpath, work and personal life? Debrief verbally in a carpool with a classmate or spend 10 minutes writing down key take-aways that you want to apply to your classroom. The amount of material and good ideas I retained was only a fraction of what I wish it was, so I recommend setting up a system for synthesizing your learning in a way that works for you like taking voice memos en route home or during your commute could help save the gems of wisdom. What new skills or practices are you planning to incorporate into your profession or classroom? I learned more details about how agile software development works from the MindSpark Learning classes, LinkedIn Learning summer course, and first-hand experience externing with Couragion. This has significantly improved how I structure my year-long, project-based "Senior Design" capstone class, as well as strengthened my resolve to stick with it for the whole year. Describe the culture and learning environment of MindSpark Learning. Egalitarian, motivating, stimulating, curious, well-equipped. How do you see STEMpath as a vital piece for preparing your students to the modern-day workforce? STEMpath was a vital piece for preparing my students to the modern-day workforce because it updating my vocabulary and lens on employability skills. STEMpath employability skills were woven through MindSpark Learning courses thematically and multi-modally. We could immediately apply to our own classrooms, have updated knowledge on the urgency of students learning programming skills, the highest priority languages to learn, and how learning to program opens upwardly mobile doors in ALL careers. I can now legitimately encourage students interested in becoming visual artists that learning to program will benefit them in an art career. What did you look forward to in your Externship? What I was looking forward to in my externship was to upskill my technical skills, network with professionals in industry beyond K-12 education, and to verify whether my instruction in computational thinking and agile team processes was on point with reality in the tech sector. What was one of your most memorable experiences while in STEMpath? Our first Saturday class for Equity-Centered Design Thinking had a team building event. It was so much fun in every way: fun-wise, team-building wise, and setting the tone for a highly collaborative and innovative year. Ms. Emily C. STEMpath Graduation Year: 2020 School District: Denver Public Schools Teaching Focus: Middle School Number of Years Teaching: 7 What factors contributed towards your decision to apply to MindSpark Learning's STEMpath program? I teach at a school that has a STEM focus, and I am a Science Team Specialist there. This seemed like a great opportunity to learn how to better support my school community with engaging in computer science. How are you balancing STEMpath, work and personal life? Trying to make sure I use my time wisely, scheduling workout time, and having accountability buddies who tell me when to take a break from STEMpath and work. What new skills or practices are you planning to incorporate into your profession or classroom? I am really excited to incorporate design thinking with project-based learning. Additionally, I think that the resources shared will help my students to better understand computer science and careers. How and when did you know that STEMpath was the right fit in advancing your teaching career? I felt that STEMpath was the right fit for me after the first couple of classes. At first, I was apprehensive because I don't know anything about teaching computer science, but have since found that this is very much a program that is supporting teachers in bringing STEM education back into our classrooms. The curriculum is useful and I have already found many great ideas to share with my students! Describe the culture and learning environment of MindSpark Learning. MindSpark has been a great experience! The staff has been welcoming and classes are engaging. It's been a great place to collaborate with like-minded educators. Ms. Amy G STEMpath Graduation Year: 2022 School District: West Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson County Public Schools Teaching Focus: Digital Teacher Librarian Number of Years Teaching: 15 What made you apply to STEMpath? It’s a great opportunity to learn more about computer science. I have colleagues that work a lot with [the] Computer Science and Technology Student Association, and I’ve been asked to help, but I thought ‘You don’t know quite enough to really help.’ What do you think STEMpath will do for your students? Where I live, we have a lot of students who do not have internet access, and the more that we can do at school, to show them how things work, that’s going to be beneficial. What we do today is different than what we did a few years ago. It’s going to be different than what we do in a few years. What we can do to help kids not only to learn these skills, but also to apply what they’re learning, and transfer that knowledge. It serves students in the long run; they’ll be more likely to consider computer science classes in the future, or to go into a field that requires computer science. Why do you think it’s so important for students to have that foundational knowledge in Computer Science? By having basic, foundational knowledge in Computer Science, students can make better choices about what they’re going to do. This knowledge is useful when students are using educational tools and technology, and it's important for them to know what data they’re giving out to people, what implications that might have, and how the data is being used. I think it’s important that students understand these concepts. There are a lot of future jobs within the technology industry, we want to make sure our kids are prepared, at least in knowing how everything works. What do you hope to get out of STEMpath? I really hope to learn more about the foundational pieces of computer science. I'm really looking forward to learning more and sharing the knowledge with my students. Tell me a little bit about what you’re passionate about? What are your interests? What excites you? I'm really interested in how our kids are using technology and how they can use it to do great and amazing things. I'm also real big on the literacy piece and how kids can use technology to share love of books and a love of learning and how they can really integrate those two pieces that don't seem related, but they really can be. By combining reading, literacy and computer science and computer literacy, students have the basic tools and skills they need to learn and get excited about both learning and reading. We can reach more students and get further with some of our students this way. What are you looking forward to during this STEMpath year? I'm really excited about the summer work that we're going to do with the externships because I think so often our kids are always asking how is that ever going to apply in the real world? Seeing how things really are in the real world gives teachers the ability to share how the knowledge and skills apply to them and their futures. It’s important for educators to stay in education and we don’t get this experience. It's so, so useful to bring back to kids. Why do you think it’s important to broaden STEM participation with an underrepresented or underserved student population? When it comes to STEM participation, and especially with some of our underserved and underrepresented students, I always think of my dad because he moved to United States at 6 from Mexico without knowing any English. He was able to learn it as well as to learn about the early pieces of technology when he was in high school. Technology is a level playing field because it has its own vocabulary, its own ways of doing things. When they're in a computer science classroom, kids who come from different backgrounds, with different interests, differences in what they're doing at home, and with the support that they have at home, often everyone is at the same level in the class. Maybe some kids have seen a particular technology before and some haven’t, but as they get more advanced and they're learning more, it's a conversation they can have that everybody can be talking about the same item, and they can all be working together. It really helps to give everybody the same chance to complete an activity and to make or create something. How do you think STEMpath will improve your school, your community, and what impact do you think it will have? When I think about STEMpath at the school and in the community where I live in the mountains, there are a lot of differences in the access that kids have when it comes to things like Wi-Fi and other technology at home. But when they’re in school, they’re all on the same Wi-Fi. They all have the same access. It’s important to try and make sure that we’re using that time as best we can while the students are in school, and they have access to the hardware and software that is available in school. By having more people who are ready to teach Computer Science we can really impact the largest number of kids possible. I’m really excited to go down the STEMpath, to learn more and, at the end to see what I learned and how I can best share it with not only students but with my colleagues as well.

  • Events | MindSpark Learning

    Explore upcoming MindSpark events in your area! Join us for unique learning experiences, networking opportunities, and amazing professional development opportunities. Stay tuned for our latest events and register today! Upcoming Events Discover upcoming events that provide practical strategies, valuable connections, and innovative approaches to teaching, learning, leadership, and workforce development. Google LEA Workforce EA CSU SPUR PBL A Quick Intro to New Google Search’s AI Tools Discover practical ways to use Google Search's newest AI features to support teaching, learning, and student inquiry. In this free, virtual session, participants will explore strategies for accelerating planning, enriching learning experiences, and encouraging student exploration while building AI literacy. Designed for K–12 educators, school and district leaders, preservice educators, and community members, this interactive 30–45 minute experience provides immediately applicable ideas and tools that can be used in classrooms and learning environments right away. Multiple session dates are available at no cost. Learn more and register to find a session that fits your schedule. Learn More & Register Workforce Education Accelerator (EA) Join Colorado school leaders in a collaborative professional learning experience focused on strengthening career-connected learning and workforce pathways. Through virtual sessions held September–December, participants analyze student pathway data, identify workforce opportunities, and develop strategies to integrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) and career-connected learning into school systems, budgets, and schedules. Designed for principals, assistant principals, district leaders, and BOCES members, the Workforce Education Accelerator provides practical tools, peer collaboration, and actionable planning to help prepare students for future careers. Ready to strengthen workforce pathways for your students? Contact Jacki@mindspark.org with any questions. Register Learn More Problem-Based Learning Institute at CSU Spur Join educators at CSU Spur for a hands-on professional learning experience focused on Problem-Based Learning (PBL), an instructional approach that engages students in solving authentic, real-world challenges through inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking. During this free institute, participants will explore PBL best practices, collaborate with peers and community partners, and design a classroom-ready PBL experience centered on the challenge of water scarcity. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, implementation resources, and an actionable plan to bring engaging, career-connected learning experiences to their students. Participants may also be eligible to earn recertification credit through continued coaching support. Register today to reserve your spot, or learn more about how Problem-Based Learning helps students develop the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges. Register Learn More Saturday, September 12th 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Free CSU SPUR, 4777 National Western Dr, Denver, CO 80216

  • Virginia Computer Science Grant | MindSpark Learning

    MindSpark Learning assists Virginia educators in securing the Advancing Computer Science Education Grant, offering up to $75,000 to enhance CS programs. We provide tailored support, including grant writing and professional development, to align with the 2024 Virginia Computer Science Standards of Learning. Top of Page About the Grant Partner With MindSpark How We Support You Why We Do It Our Partners Maximizing Your Grant Resources Hi, Virginia Educators! Are you ready to transform your school? With significant Computer Science (CS) funding available to Virginia schools, MindSpark is your partner in securing and maximizing funding from this grant. The Advancing Computer Science Education Grant is a unique opportunity to receive grant funding for your school and your CS programs. Let us help you turn your CS education goals into a reality. Receive Updates About the Grant The Virginia Department of Education is offering the Advancing Computer Science Education Grant to fund the development of high-quality instructional computer science instructional resources and high-quality professional development aligned to the 2024 Virginia Computer Science Standards of Learning and extend computer science learning opportunities for students. Your school could earn up to $75,000 in funding. LEARN MORE Use of Program Funds: Deadlines: Grant Application: Friday, September 06 Professional Learning & Instructional Resources Student Programs – Experiences and Engagement Implementation or Sustainability Is My School Eligible? All Virginia public school divisions (LEA), full-time regional public schools, and programs with a local or regional school board, are eligible to submit a proposal. Let MindSpark Be Your Partner in Grant Success Our non-profit partners with schools and educators to attain and utilize these types of unique funding to align with your state’s standards. Partnering with MindSpark means maximizing your chances of grant approval and ensuring the funds are used effectively to achieve your school's goals. Our proven track record and deep expertise in the field set us apart. We’ve secured over $700,000 in grant funding and never lost a grant we’ve partnered on. Grant Funding in 3 Easy Steps: 1 Discuss your school's needs and grant goals with MindSpark. We'll tailor learning experiences, create K-12 pathways, and align them with state requirements. Optional grant writing support is also available. 2 Collaborate with MindSpark to prepare and submit your grant application, ensuring all requirements are met comprehensively and professionally. 3 Funding received! Meet with MindSpark to strategize and map out initiatives, setting clear timelines to achieve your grant outcomes effectively. Thinking about applying for this grant? Talk with Jacki, our Vice President of Computer Science Education and Initiatives, to let us help you boost your chances of receiving funding from this grant. Email Jacki to Schedule a Call How We Support You Our mission includes supporting educators like you to enhance your chances of securing grant funds through: Expert Grant Writing Providing writing support and recommendations for compelling proposals that win. Deep-Dive Research Identifying grants perfectly aligned with your school's mission. Strategic Partnership We build strong collaborations to enhance your grant application. Why We Do What We Do Our mission is clear: to increase access and opportunity for all students. Our goal is to increase and diversify the talent pipeline through participation in CS, STEM, and career-connected learning. By partnering with schools, we aim to: Develop a skilled workforce: Cultivate the talent pipeline for Virginia’s computer science industries. Enhance educational outcomes: Improve student achievement and support educators through innovative programs. Our Partners MindSpark is a proud member and partner with leading organizations dedicated to expanding access to STEM education. Maximizing Your Grant Securing a grant is just the beginning. Effective implementation is key to realizing its full potential. MindSpark is your partner in transforming grant funds into impactful programs. We’ll work closely with you to ensure grant funds align perfectly with your school’s mission and vision. We understand that every school is unique. Valuable resources can be misallocated or underutilized. Our expertise lies in tailoring strategies to align with your school's specific needs and goals along with the new Virginia 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning . Our Focus is On: Teacher Professional Development Providing comprehensive and effective professional development. Curriculum Enhancement Developing engaging, standards-aligned CS curriculum. Resource Optimization Maximizing the impact of equipment and materials. Data-Driven Results Measuring and improving program effectiveness. Our Proven Track Record Speaks For Itself: We've successfully partnered with 108 out of 179 districts in our home state, and trained over 776 schools impacting more than 3,500 K-12 educators. READ MORE Resources to Support You Girls in STEM Club Playbook Boost CS access and engagement with our 12-week curriculum. Designed for grades 3-8, this playbook includes free lessons, activities, and a proven model for reaching underrepresented students. Applied AI Trail Guide Explore MindSpark's Applied AI (AAI) Trail Guide for insights into the commitments and beliefs shaping our AI practices. As a leader in AI education, the AAI Trail Guide is a testament to our expertise, reflecting our commitment to staying at the forefront of AI education.

  • Our Spark | MindSpark Learning

    MindSpark designs and delivers extraordinary learning experiences with our elite partners. We unravel the status quo and decode the complexities facing courageous thinkers, creators, and advocates. We nerd out solving for workforce, innovation, wellbeing, and inclusion. Discover Our Spark MindSpark designs and delivers extraordinary learning experiences with our elite partners. We simplify challenges for bold thinkers, creators, and advocates. Our focus areas: Workforce solutions Innovation strategies Wellbeing initiatives Inclusive practices Workforce Our workforce development approach makes learning relevant and creates clear career pathways. We strengthen hands-on training programs and prepare workers for future job markets. Throughout this process, we focus on building strong professional identities. Wellbeing Transformative wellbeing is the collective experience of nurturing relationships, elevating community, engaging in purposeful work, maximizing potential, and designing environments that let us all flourish. Innovation Intrinsic innovation combines entrepreneurship, invention, resilience, creativity, and calculated risk-taking. We nurture these qualities to drive meaningful change and progress. Inclusion Inclusivity is the combined efforts of honoring neurodiversity, boosting connection, treasuring belonging, solidifying commitment, and amplifying courage. Are you interested in becoming an industry or community partner? Get Involved SPARK Goals Through our learning experiences, MindSpark fosters a newfound passion for education, builds trusted partnerships across industries, increases collaboration and engagement within communities, and results in more agile and resilient educators through times of rapid change. We align our programs to the following impact metrics: S Sustained Transformation MindSpark increases the earning potential for our clients. Teachers who pursue our upskilling opportunities have the chance to earn up to 34% more annually - equating to an additional $9,000 to $16,000 every year. A teacher whose pension is tied to their highest annual salary can carry that premium into retirement. P Partnerships Forged MindSpark boosts industry and community engagement in education. On average, our clients report generating seven meaningful relationships with partners after working with MindSpark. This translates to over 284,000 partnerships forged enabling students to engage with authentic learning opportunities alongside industry and community partners. A All Succeed MindSpark activates peer-to-peer interactions that result in a sense of connection, comradery, collaboration, and belonging. Our clients engage on a deeper level and strengthen the capacity for student growth and wellbeing. With 40% of MindSpark clients serving rural communities, we catalyze a wave of positive change and ignite a spark of opportunity for educators and students alike. R Retain & Recruit Talent MindSpark keeps quality teachers and administrators in their schools. Our learning experiences cultivate leadership and growth opportunities for our clients, resulting in an 88% retention rate among educators. This retention fuels a more stable and committed teaching workforce and ultimately leads to improved student outcomes and overall school success. K Kinetic MindSpark experiences create a launch pad for entrepreneurship and career readiness. Our efforts have resulted in over 25 patents, over 20,000 work-based learning experiences for students including internships and early career literacy exposure, and 7,900 industry-based educator externship hours – each paving the way for viable and accessible pathways that lead to prosperous careers for all.

  • Responsible Artificial Intelligence | MindSpark Learning

    As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in society day-to-day, it is crucial to teach educators and students how to use and critically analyze the outputs of AI systems. Responsible AI Foundations focuses on AI and RAI at an introductory level. Responsible AI Foundations A human-centered design approach to responsible artificial intelligence. Welcome to RAI As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in society day-to-day, it is crucial to teach educators and students on how to use and critically analyze the outputs of AI systems. Responsible AI Foundations will focus on AI and RAI at an introductory level. In this course, we'll start making connections between AI and the impacts it presents, both positive and challenging. Need a certification? For an additional $14.99, OnDemand Unlimited users can earn their RAI Certification. Unlock Unlimited Learning Objectives Identify the various models/processes that are used to differentiate between AI and RAI systems. Determine which instances the Human-Centered Design approach should be used. Recognize the hidden biases and other ethical concerns within Artificial Intelligence systems. Discern the process for ensuring that AI systems are justifiable, explainable, and secure. Apply Artificial Intelligence and Responsible Artificial Intelligence foundations when using ChatGPT. According to Accenture, Responsible AI (RAI) is the practice of ‘designing, developing, and deploying AI with good intention to empower employees and businesses, and fairly impact customers and society’. Ethics and equity are two tenets of RAI, and this speaks to our mission and values as an organization. We believe in creating inclusive and safe access to this technology not only for those who will consume and interact with it, but also for those who will influence, design, build and engineer it in the future. Why Responsible? Why Now? McKinsey Global Institute estimates that Al will boost the GDP by $13 trillion in the U.S. by 2030 — are your students prepared? Engaging and succeeding with AI is not just about being a data scientist or engineer, it’s about being able to think critically, innovate, collaborate, and iterate. AI impacts every student, and every subject. MindSpark is a forerunner in the AI Education space, and we are best positioned to address the current education-to-workforce gaps. Our experiences have transformed tens of thousands of educators, and by extension, hundreds of thousands of students. MindSpark is here to help -- to guide, nurture, and educate. Responsible AI provides context and confidence to educators looking for a sustainable, effective, and inclusive way to engage with AI in the classroom. You might say creating a better future is a our responsibility. Why MindSpark? Responsible AI For Educators Community Centric Monitorable and Secure Justifiable and Fair First-Rate Materials Explainable and Transparent

  • Natural Language Processing | MindSpark Learning

    Explore the transformative world of Natural Language Processing (NLP) with our educational nonprofit. Unlock the power of language understanding and processing for a brighter future. Discover cutting-edge insights, resources, and initiatives that empower students and educators alike. Join us in shaping the next generation through the art and science of NLP. Dive into a realm where language meets innovation, fostering learning that transcends boundaries. How Do Siri, Alexa and Watson Understand Me? Register Here Walk a mile in a machine’s shoes and experience the complexity of human language - and what it takes for a computer to understand us! Like art, AI imitates life - and can hold up a mirror to reveal patterns in human speech. See examples of how NLP can be used for social good - get students thinking about other applications of this powerful technology. What previous attendees have said about this webinar: “Because of this institute, I have a better understanding of what natural language processing means. I liked the specific example of using the AI to debate, and also the examples of how AI can help those with disabilities.” “One of my takeaways from this course was the instruction. Some of the digital tools used can help make my classes more interesting and engaging for students.” By the end of the online webinar, you will have: An understanding of natural language processing and its everyday applications Activities & resources to implement immediately to build student understanding of its limitations and possibilities An extensive toolkit of resources A graphic organizer to capture your thoughts and learning Topic: Natural Language Processing Format: On-Demand

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