Brodrick Clarke: Opening Ignite Session Speaker for SPARC's 10th Anniversary Conference
With our 10th Anniversary Conference less than three months away, the SPARC team is working hard to organize what will be an amazing time of learning and celebration! And since we wanted an exceptional speaker for an exceptional conference, we're thrilled to host someone who will kick off our gathering with energy and inspiration--Brodrick Clarke, NSLA's Vice-President of Programs and Systems Quality.
Brodrick has dedicated over two decades to motivating and empowering K-12 youth, particularly in out-of-school settings. With a passion for training the next generation of youth development professionals, he has become an in-demand keynote speaker and consultant. Brodrick is known for innovative training programs that engage participants with a blend of research, best practices, and interactive simulations, and he contributed his expertise to the NSLA guide Destination Summer Learning: A Guide to Program Innovation and Student Success.
The SPARC Opening Ignite Session: "Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Your Why in the Youth Development Movement"
Grounded in the Clover Model of Youth Development and framed by the 12 Dimensions of Summer Learning, Brodrick's Opening Ignite Session will encourage us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the reasons we chose this vital work. These models emphasize the holistic development of young people, addressing their social, emotional, academic, and physical needs; and as auxiliary professionals, we are at the forefront of creating spaces where youth and heal, grow, lead, and thrive. Brodrick's session will leave us with a renewed sense of pride and purpose in what we do as educators of resilience, joy, and possibility.
“Youth development practitioners are the most nimble people on the planet … We can pivot on a dime and make a dollar out of 15 cents.”
The Deep-Dive Session: "Summer Learning for All"
Brodrick's deep-dive session, also centered on the Clover Model of Youth Development, will emphasize the importance of active engagement and assertiveness in fostering resilience, motivation, and joy among young participants. In this interactive workshop, attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the 12 Dimensions of Summer Learning, which address the multifaceted aspects of high-quality summer experiences, and explore how to design inclusive, high-quality summer programs that promote growth, belonging, and purpose for every youth. Through real-world examples and collaborative discussions, participants will leave armed with actionable strategies to strengthen their programs and expand access to impactful summer learning opportunities for all children, regardless of their zip code.
Brodrick's passion for out-of-school programs, his ability to engage and connect with his audience, and his deep expertise and experience will no doubt leave us inspired and renewed. As we come together in Scottsdale this October, let us celebrate the role we play in shaping the lives of young people and building stronger, more equitable communities—one child at a time.