Sign up to volunteer at our 2026-2027 events!
We look forward to you joining us at the Creativity Festival, CreativeCon, Knowledge Bowl, STEMLink, and Young Authors Conference. As program dates are finalized, they will appear here.
If you are under 18 years old, please fill out this Minor Consent Form and return it with a letter of reference in addition to submitting your application.
Volunteer Handbook: We encourage you to read the SparkPath Volunteer Handbook to acquaint yourself with our organization and mission, and to help make the most of your time with us.
Questions? Contact our SparkPath Volunteer Coordinators:
Katie Wenzel - katie.wenzel@brightworksmn.org / 612-638-1554 (All field trip programs & in-office opportunities)
Betsy Narr - betsy.narr@brightworksmn.org / 612-638-1550 (Middle Grades KB)
Madi Ericksen - madi.ericksen@brightworksmn.org / 612-638-1514 (Senior High KB)
I would like to volunteer
CreativeCon
At CreativeCon, 5th-8th graders learn that the ability to think creatively and problem solve is essential for all ages and in all areas of life. Students attend interactive sessions highlighting the ways creativity and problem solving are applied in STEM, the arts, and across all careers.
Red Shirt Volunteers are needed to help presenters and students in the hands-on sessions, assist with lunch, guide students at the University of Minnesota, and ensure that students have a fun and exciting day! Volunteers can bring a student to participate for free.
When: Thursday, January 14, 2027
Where: Ted Mann Concert Hall, University of Minnesota
Time Commitment: 7:30 AM to about 2:00 PM
Sign-up By: January 7, 2027
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| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayfinding Volunteer @ U of MN | 1 | 1/14/2027 | 1/14/2027 | |
Creativity Festival
At the Creativity Festival, 3rd-5th graders learn that the ability to think creatively and problem solve is essential for all ages and in all areas of life. Students attend interactive sessions highlighting the ways creativity and problem solving are applied in STEM, the arts, and across all careers.
Red Shirt Volunteers are needed to help presenters and students in the hands-sessions, assist with lunch, guide students on campus, and ensure that students have a fun and exciting day! Volunteers can bring a student to participate for free.
When: Tuesday, January 12 & Wednesday, January 13, 2027
Where: Ted Mann Concert Hall at the University of MN
Time Commitment: 7:30 AM to about 2:00 PM
Sign-up By: January 7, 2027
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| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set-up Team @ U of MN | 1 | 1/11/2027 | 1/11/2027 | |
| Wayfinding Volunteer @ U of MN | 2 | 1/12/2027 | 1/13/2027 | |
Office & Virtual Support
Office and Virtual Support volunteers are essential at SparkPath! Scheduling is flexible and can include a one-time commitment or ongoing opportunities. Some opportunities are virtual and some take place in our office. Past projects included assembling lanyards, collating supplies, sorting signs, question editing, prepping event materials, and data entry.
Contact Katie Wenzel, SparkPath Volunteer Coordinator, to learn more at katie.wenzel@brightworksmn.org or 612-638-1554.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Office Support | 1 | |||
STEMLink
STEMLink brings STEM careers to life as 5th and 6th grade students work with college instructors and industry professionals from the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Students attend a welcome address and participate in four interactive breakout sessions while on a college campus in college labs.
As a Team Leader, you will work in pairs to guide a group of 20-25 students as they learn about STEM disciplines and career opportunities. You will escort students to the breakout sessions taught by college faculty and other STEM professionals. Team Leaders stay in the sessions to assist with the hands-on activities and experiments. You will experience four different sessions and are guaranteed to learn something new! No experience is required, just an interest in STEM and working with kids. Volunteers can bring a student to participate for free.
When & Where:
March 19, 2027 at Hennepin Technical College
April 16, 2027 at Anoka Technical College
Time Commitment: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Sign-up by: 5 days prior to event
Please note, if you are looking to register a large group to volunteer at STEMLink, please contact Katie Wenzel at 612-638-1554 for opportunities.
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| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Leader @ Anoka Technical College | 1 | 4/16/2027 | 4/16/2027 | |
| Team Leader @ Hennepin Technical College | 1 | 3/19/2027 | 3/19/2027 | |
Our Mission
SparkPath creates powerful learning experiences that challenge students to explore interests, discover new perspectives, connect with professionals in the community, and visualize their success beyond the classroom.
