Programs

Braille Challenge

SparkPath, the Minnesota Department of Education, and the Region 11 Low Incidence Project at BrightWorks are working together to coordinate the Minnesota Braille Challenge.  Nationally organized by the Braille Institute, students with low-to-no vision compete in categories such as reading comprehension, proofreading, and more.

February 14, 2026 at Bethel University’s Anderson Center, Arden Hills (SparkPath & BrightWorks office)

Cane Quest

SparkPath, State Services for the Blind, the Minnesota Department of Education, and the Region 11 Low Incidence Project at BrightWorks are working together to coordinate the first Minnesota Cane Quest! Cane Quest is a fun Orientation & Mobility (O&M) program organized by the Braille Institute and designed for students in grades 3-12 with low-to-no vision, focused on the skills used to understand and navigate one’s environment safely.

April 25, 2026 at Edison High School, Minneapolis

Future City Competition

The Future City Competition (FCC) is an engineering competition for students in grades 6-8. Teams work with an engineer mentor to design a futuristic city, build a scale model, write an essay, and give a presentation.

Review the Minnesota Academic Standards alignment for FCC.

January 24, 2026 at Metro State University, St. Paul

Knowledge Bowl

Knowledge Bowl is an academic team competition for grades 6-8 and 9-12. It strengthens problem-solving and critical thinking skills while emphasizing student growth centered on academics.

Review the Minnesota Academic Standards alignment for Knowledge Bowl.

Middle Grades: November – February
Senior High: December – March

Twin Cities Regional Spelling Bee

The Twin Cities Regional Spelling Bee is a competition for students in grades 4-8 that strengthens literacy skills. Students increase their vocabulary, improve their spelling, and develop useful language skills for life.

Review the Minnesota Academic Standards alignment for the Bee.

March 5, 2026 at Saint Paul College, St. Paul