View our printable Calendar of Opportunities with 2023-2024 dates.
Engaging Field Trips
Students attend a keynote or opening performance, followed by three interactive breakout sessions.
CreativeCon
CreativeCon is an event for 5th-8th graders. Students will strengthen their ability to invent, create, and problem-solve. They will utilize new ideas to fulfill artistic and STEM challenges.
Aligns with Minnesota Academic Standards in Arts Education
January 11, 2024 at Ted Mann Concert Hall, U of MN
Creativity Festival
Creativity Festival is an event for 3rd-5th graders. Students will explore and strengthen their creativity while getting the chance to practice new approaches to self-expression and problem-solving.
Aligns with Minnesota Academic Standards in Arts Education
January 9 & 10, 2024 at Ted Mann Concert Hall, U of MN
STEMLink
STEMLink is an event for 5th and 6th graders. Students learn the practical applications of science, technology, engineering, and math and how these skills can lead to an exciting career.
Aligns with Minnesota Academic Standards in Science
Spring 2024 at Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park
Spring 2024 at Normandale College, Bloomington
Young Authors Conference
Young Authors Conference (YAC) is an event for 4th-8th graders. Sessions are taught by local writers, poets, musicians, playwrights, actors, illustrators, and more.
Aligns with Minnesota Academic Standards
in English Language Arts
March 15 & May 28 – May 31, 2024 at Bethel University, Arden Hills
Exciting Academic Competitions
Future City Competition
Future City Competition is an engineering competition for 6th-8th graders. Teams work with an engineer mentor to design a futuristic city, build a scale model, write an essay, and give a presentation.
Aligns with Minnesota Academic Standards in Science, Math, Social Studies, and English Language Arts
January 20, 2024 at Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount
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.
Aligns with Minnesota Academic Standards in Science, Math, Social Studies, and English Language Arts
Middle Grades: November – February / Senior High: December – March
Math Masters
Math Masters is a half-day mathematical competition for students in grades 4-6. Students work individually and as a team to answer multiple rounds of math questions, utilizing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. SparkPath partners with Math Masters to provide coordination and an Arden Hills location.
Aligns with Minnesota Academic Standards in Math
April 26, 2024 at Bethel University’s Anderson Center (SparkPath office)
Twin Cities Regional Spelling Bee
The Twin Cities Regional Spelling Bee is a competition for 4th-8th graders that strengthens literacy skills. Students increase their vocabulary, improve their spelling, and develop useful language skills for life.
Aligns with Minnesota Academic Standards in English Language Arts
March 7, 2024 at Fridley High School Auditorium
© 2023 SparkPath, Inc.
SparkPath presents its programs in collaboration with BrightWorks (formerly Metro ECSU). BrightWorks member districts/schools save 30-50% on SparkPath registration fees. For more information, visit www.brightworksmn.org.
