Since 2025, SparkPath, the Minnesota Department of Education, and the Region 11 Low Incidence Project at BrightWorks have worked together to coordinate the Minnesota Braille Challenge. The Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind for students in grades 1-12 with low-to-no vision. Nationally organized by the Braille Institute, the program has been promoting braille literacy through rigorous academic competitions across the globe for over 25 years.
Contest Age Groups:
- Apprentice (uncontracted): grades 1-2
- Freshman: grades 3-4
- Sophomore: grades 5-6
- Junior Varsity: grades 7-9
- Varsity: grades 10-12
- Fundamental: interactive braille-focused activities that are not scored
Contest Categories:
- Spelling (grades 1-4)
- Reading Comprehension (grades 1-12)
- Proofreading (grades 1-12)
- Charts and Graphs (grades 5-12)
- Speed and Accuracy (grades 5-12)
Save the Date – Saturday, February 6, 2027
Location: Bethel University’s Anderson Center building (SparkPath & BrightWorks office) – 2 Pine Tree Drive, Arden Hills, MN 55112
Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Partners
Thank you to our 2026 partners for supporting the second Minnesota Braille Challenge! If you would like to learn more about supporting the competition, please contact Madi Ericksen at 612-638-1514.
Questions?
For more information about how your student can participate or if you are interested in volunteering, contact Madi Ericksen at 612-638-1514.
© 2025 SparkPath, Inc.
SparkPath@brightworksmn.org
612-638-1500
2 Pine Tree Drive, Suite 101
Arden Hills, MN 55112
EIN: 41-1948020
SparkPath is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that presents its programs in collaboration with BrightWorks, a Minnesota Service Cooperative. BrightWorks member districts/schools save 30-50% on SparkPath registration fees. For more information, visit www.brightworksmn.org.
