SPARK is a summer program established with the desire of creating a safe, comfortable, nurturing and academically rewarding environment. Our goal is to broaden the mind and imagination, encourage creativity, discovery and a passion for learning. And let´s not forget fun!

Mission Statement

SPARK's mission is to provide a rich educational and social environment for youths in an active college campus setting. Emphasis is placed on fun-filled, hands-on activites that will instill youngsters with a lifetime desire for learning. With instruction that is supportive and diverse, the participants will be able to hone evolving skills and increase their awareness of new branches of study and opportunities.

About the Campus

New Jersey's state university has a wealth of enlightening and engaging attractions and events for visitors of all ages. Whether it's stargazing or deep-sea exploration, jazz or chamber music, visual arts or gardening, Rutgers is involved, and likely, breaking new ground. It's a place to delve into history as well as catch a glimpse of the future, and the things to see and do here are as diverse as our student body and the vibrant cultural area we call home. Convenient to New York City, Philadelpia, and the Jersey shore, our campuses are probably right along your way. So come visit Rutgers--you just might learn something!

Courses

You will attend four courses during the day. You get to select from a wide range of academic choices. Your courses will be non-conventional, out of the norm, highly active and hands-on as well as extracurricular activity, or a discovery of something fresh, original and diverse.

These courses are not your average classes. There are no tests, quizzes or homework! You don't read about it, you experience it.

Your only two requirements are to learn and have fun doing it!

Course selections will become available in April.

Squires (Grades 5 & 6)

Explore opportunities; from A Night at the Improv, Web Design and SPARK Jeopardy to pHun with pHysics and Steppin' Out.

You can select from a wide range of academic courses inspiring ingenuity and innovation. You will discover and investigate new perspectives and engage in physical and intellectual arenas, exploring everything from different views.

Knights (Grades 7 - 9)

Get a taste of what college life has to offer; from DNA & You, Metric Track & Field and Volleyball to Making Your Own Video Games and "So Fa" Beyond "Do Re Mi".

You will discover and explore new perspectives and engage in active and intellectual arenas, seeing everything through different eyes.

Trips & Sightseeing

Trips are an instrumental part of the SPARK program. They expose students to historical sites, rich cultural experiences, and recreational excursions designed to enhance learning. Sightseeing, theatre trips and outdoor adventures are few of the offerings available. Although many trips are available to all participants, some trips are limited in size due to location or the necessity of reserving space in advance. We will offer 1 full day trip per session as well as an end of the session BBQ, including an awards ceremony and special activities throughout the day. Some courses may also include visits to other areas around campus.

Our Faculty

SPARK's faculty and staff encourage enthusiasm and creativity with their passion for teaching. They hail from different backgrounds and bring their own flair for instruction. They are middle and high school teachers, college students, graduate students and professional educators. SPARK carefully selects a diverse team of members who are exceptionally talented, enthusiastic and creative.

We look for faculty and staff whose qualifications as mentors match you and your child's expectations - dedication, spirit, responsibility, creativity and an open mind. We consider every moment at SPARK an opportunity to teach and learn. For this reason, we hire individuals who share these ideals.

Sample Schedule