About SparkPath

Strong partnerships are key to creating meaningful experiences for students.

That’s why SparkPath is proud to be part of a broad and cooperative network that provides vital programs and services to school districts. Together, we do more for Minnesota students and teachers than any one of us could do alone, making the future of our communities that much brighter.

Who we are: SparkPath

SparkPath is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating dynamic, real-world learning opportunities for students. We design and coordinate student-centered academic field trips for schools in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, in addition to regional and statewide competitions for students across Minnesota.

Some programs—like the Young Authors Conference, Creativity Festival, and Knowledge Bowl—have been in our repertoire for more than 30 years, while other programs—like the Minnesota Braille Challenge and Cane Quest—are exciting new additions. Together, we coordinate ten programs for over 10,000 students each year. Read more about SparkPath programs past and present on our History page.

Our home base: BrightWorks

We operate within BrightWorks, the service cooperative for the seven-county Twin Cities metro region. BrightWorks provides comprehensive services to districts and schools in the metro area and throughout Minnesota, including professional development, facilities planning, crucial special education programs, and paraprofessional certification courses and exam administration.

Formerly known as Metro ECSU, BrightWorks is one of nine regional service cooperatives in Minnesota—and it plays a key role in helping SparkPath bring innovative learning opportunities to students. BrightWorks member districts/schools can participate in SparkPath programs at special member rates.

A statewide system: Minnesota Service Cooperatives

BrightWorks is part of the Minnesota Service Cooperatives (MSC), a statewide network of nine regional organizations that help schools, cities, counties, and nonprofits collaborate, share resources, and access cost-effective programs and services.

Each regional cooperative tailors its services to the needs of its local communities, while also collaborating with other regions across the state. MSC initiatives include student enrichment programs, the COMPASS Regional Network, cooperative purchasing, health insurance pools, career-connected learning, and technology solutions.