Sign up to volunteer at our 2023-2024 events!
We look forward to you joining us at the Creativity Festival, CreativeCon, Knowledge Bowl, STEMLink, and Young Authors Conference.
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.
Questions? Contact one of our SparkPath Volunteer Coordinators:
Katie Wenzel - katie.wenzel@brightworksmn.org / 612-638-1554
(Creativity Festival / CreativeCon / STEMLink)
Madi Ericksen - madi.ericksen@brightworksmn.org / 612-638-1514
(Young Authors Conference)
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!
When: Thursday, January 11, 2024
Where: Ted Mann Concert Hall, University of Minnesota
Time Commitment: 7:30 AM to about 2:00 PM
Sign-up By: December 16, 2023
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| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom Assistant @ U of MN | 1 | 1/11/2024 | 1/11/2024 | |
| General Event Support @ U of MN | 1 | 1/11/2024 | 1/11/2024 | |
| Lunch Team @ U of MN | 1 | 1/11/2024 | 1/11/2024 | |
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!
When: Tuesday, January 9 & Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Where: Ted Mann Concert Hall at the University of MN
Time Commitment: 7:30 AM to about 2:00 PM
Sign-up By: December 16, 2023
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 |
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom Assistant @ U of MN | 1 | 1/9/2024 | 1/10/2024 | |
| General Event Support @ U of MN | 1 | 1/9/2024 | 1/10/2024 | |
| Lunch Team @ U of MN | 1 | 1/9/2024 | 1/10/2024 | |
| Set-up Team @ U of MN | 1 | 1/8/2024 | 1/8/2024 | |
Knowledge Bowl is an after-school competition for 6th-12th graders focused on academics, teamwork, and community. During a Knowledge Bowl meet, teams of students in 6th-12th grade answer questions related to math, science, social studies, language arts, and current events. If you love trivia, this is the volunteer opportunity for you!
Volunteers are needed to help run the competition. New volunteers will be paired with an experienced volunteer or coach. On-site training is provided before the meet begins.
When:
Middle Grades Season is November - February.
Senior High Season is December - February.
Where: Middle Schools & High Schools across the Metro
Time Commitment: Approximately 3:30 until 8:00 PM
Sign-up By: 1 week prior to meet
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C. Judge @ Mahtomedi Middle School - Middle Grades Meet #1 | 1 | 12/5/2023 | 12/5/2023 | |
| D. Judge @ Skyview Middle School - Middle Grades Meet #1 | 1 | 12/7/2023 | 12/7/2023 | |
| E. Judge @ Shakopee East Middle School - Middle Grades Meet #1 | 1 | 12/14/2023 | 12/14/2023 | |
| F. Judge @ John Glenn Middle School - Middle Grades Meet #2 | 1 | 1/18/2024 | 1/18/2024 | |
| G. Judge @ Jackson Middle School - Middle Grades Meet #2 | 1 | 1/23/2024 | 1/23/2024 | |
| H. Judge @ Highland Park Middle School - Middle Grades Meet #2 | 1 | 1/25/2024 | 1/25/2024 | |
| I. Judge @ Cologne Academy Middle School - Middle Grades Regionals Meet | 1 | 2/13/2024 | 2/13/2024 | |
| J. Judge @ Northdale Middle School - Middle Grades Regionals Meet | 1 | 2/15/2024 | 2/15/2024 | |
| K. Judge @ DaVinci Academy - Middle Grades State Meet | 1 | 3/2/2024 | 3/3/2024 | |
| Senior High KB - Academy of Holy Angels | 3 | 12/7/2023 | 2/6/2024 | |
| Senior High KB - Prior Lake High School | 3 | 12/12/2023 | 2/1/2024 | |
| Senior High KB - Spring Lake Park High School | 3 | 12/14/2023 | 1/30/2024 | |
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 Madi Grove, SparkPath Volunteer Coordinator, to learn more at madi.grove@brightworksmn.org or 612-638-1514.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Office Support | 1 | |||
Young Authors Conference (YAC) gives 4th-8th grade students the opportunity to learn from professionals with real writing experience. Students attend a keynote address and three interactive writing sessions led by local fiction and non-fiction writers. Students leave YAC with a greater passion to write and a new set of strategies and ideas with which to experiment.
Red Shirt Volunteers are needed to assist with lunch, guide students on campus, monitor the book fair and open mic, and ensure that students have a fun and exciting day!
When:
Friday, March 15, 2024
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Friday, May 31, 2024
Where: Bethel University
Time Commitment: 7:15 AM to about 2:00 PM
Sign-up By: 5 days prior to event
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| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Event Support @ Bethel University | 5 | 3/15/2024 | 5/31/2024 | |
| Lunch Team @ Bethel University | 5 | 3/15/2024 | 5/31/2024 | |
| Set-up Team @ Bethel University | 2 | 3/14/2024 | 5/27/2024 | |
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.
