SPARC News

SPARC is a dynamic and energetic community. Stay informed about all that is going on in the auxiliary world: see profiles of auxiliary leaders, take deep dives into notable programs, and explore important themes.

SPARC News

The SPARC Leadership Institute Inspires Innovative Capstone Projects
The SPARC Leadership Institute Inspires Innovative Capstone Projects

The SPARC Leadership Institute, SPARC's professional development course for auxiliary leaders, culminates with participants completing Capstone Projects--real-word, innovative solutions to auxiliary program challenges. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted03/24/2025


Creating Impactful Internships in Auxiliary and Summer
Creating Impactful Internships in Auxiliary and Summer

Creating an impactful internship requires more than hiring someone to fill a need in your program. Set your interns--and your programs--up for success through intentional structuring, supervision, and mutually beneficial work. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted03/18/2025


How Auxiliary Can Power a New Model for Independent School Revenue
How Auxiliary Can Power a New Model for Independent School Revenue

Jeff Shields, President and CEO of NBOA, offers critical insights into business trends in independent schools, emphasizing the vital role auxiliary programs can play in their financial well-being. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted02/28/2025


Connect with SPARC Team Members at NBOA/NAIS
Connect with SPARC Team Members at NBOA/NAIS

Taking their expertise on the road, the SPARC team will travel to New York and Nashville next week to lead sessions in two of the most significant conferences for independent school leaders. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted02/20/2025


Auxiliary and Advancement: 5 Steps Toward a Deeper Partnership
Auxiliary and Advancement: 5 Steps Toward a Deeper Partnership

Auxiliary departments can break down barriers to collaborating with Advancement through better communication, sharing successes, and understanding the revenue model of independent schools. Mattingly Messina of Throughline Development shows us how. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted02/3/2025


SPARC Members Share Their "Word of the Year"
SPARC Members Share Their "Word of the Year"

As we enter 2025, many SPARC members are trading New Year's resolutions for a thoughtfully-chosen Word of the Year. Acting as a "gentle, guiding light," your word can help you stay focused on what matters most to you in both your personal and professional life. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted01/25/2025


Five Principles of Leadership
Five Principles of Leadership

With independent schools facing more challenges than ever, Julie Faulstich of Stony Creek Strategy breaks down the five key principles of school and program leadership that will help us navigate change with authority, empathy, and clarity. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted01/14/2025


From Insight to Implementation: How a SPARC Keynote Transformed a Camp Leader’s Vision
From Insight to Implementation: How a SPARC Keynote Transformed a Camp Leader’s Vision

For Laura Kelly, Founder and CEO of DEAN Adventure Camps, Michael Brandwein's Ignite Opening Session at the 2024 SPARC National Conference was more than just inspiring—it was transformative. Continue Reading

Postedby Laura Kelly
Date posted01/6/2025


Risk Can be Positive: 5 Takeaways from "Beneficial Risks of Experiential Education"
Risk Can be Positive: 5 Takeaways from "Beneficial Risks of Experiential Education"

Believing that risk can be a positive factor in experiential programs, Steve Smith of Experiential Consulting offers fresh insight into how we define and perceive risk. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted12/13/2024


SPARC's Partnership with NSLA Brings New Resources to our Member Schools
SPARC's Partnership with NSLA Brings New Resources to our Member Schools

SPARC's partnership with the National Summer Learning Association provides its member schools with even more access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted12/5/2024


Jeff Malloy: SPARC 2024 Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner
Jeff Malloy: SPARC 2024 Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner

Known for his dedicated career and valued expertise, Jeff Malloy is "one of the true experts" in the auxiliary program field. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted11/15/2024


Tejan Walcott: SPARC 2024 Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner
Tejan Walcott: SPARC 2024 Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner

A "rising star" in the auxiliary program field, Tejan Walcott impresses with his creativity, energy, and dedication to youth development. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted11/11/2024