Sign up to volunteer at our 2024-2025 events!
We look forward to you joining us at the Creativity Festival, CreativeCon, Knowledge Bowl, STEMLink (Dates TBA!), 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.
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 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)
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I. Judge @ Cologne Academy Middle School - Middle Grades Regionals Meet | 1 | 2/11/2025 | 2/11/2025 | |
| J. Judge @ Northdale Middle School - Middle Grades Regionals Meet | 1 | 2/13/2025 | 2/13/2025 | |
| K. Judge @ DaVinci Academy - Middle Grades State Meet | 1 | 2/22/2025 | 2/23/2025 | |
| Senior High KB - Academy of Holy Angels | 1 | 2/4/2025 | 2/4/2025 | |
| Senior High KB - Prior Lake High School | 1 | 1/30/2025 | 1/30/2025 | |
| Senior High KB - Spring Lake Park High School | 1 | 1/28/2025 | 1/28/2025 | |
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 | |||
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 keynote address and participate in three 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 three 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:
May 1, 2025 - Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park
Additional dates and locations TBA!
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.
 |
|
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Leader @ Hennepin Technical College | 1 | 5/1/2025 | 5/1/2025 | |
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! Volunteers can bring a student to participate for free.
When:
Friday, March 14, 2025
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Where: Bethel University
Time Commitment: 7:30 AM to about 2:00 PM
Sign-up By: 5 days prior to event
 |
 |
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch Team @ Bethel University | 4 | 3/14/2025 | 5/29/2025 | |
| Set-up Team @ Bethel University | 2 | 3/13/2025 | 5/26/2025 | |
| Wayfinding Volunteer @ Bethel University | 4 | 3/14/2025 | 5/29/2025 | |
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.
