Bring a corporate group. Bring a team. Bring your family.
Bring a friend. Bring yourself!
SparkPath field trip events could not happen without our AMAZING “Red Shirt Volunteers”! Volunteer tasks range from checking in school groups, helping students feel safe as they navigate campus, assisting presenters during their sessions, monitoring various spaces, transporting lunches, and helping with event logistics. Sign up through our volunteer portal, Better Impact.
Unable to volunteer, but still want to support our programs? Help us stock up on supplies for our events from our Program Wishlist!
Creativity Festival
January 13 & 14, 2026
CreativeCon
January 15, 2026
Our creativity events are one-day field trips held at the University of Minnesota’s Ted Mann Concert Hall for students in 3rd-5th grade (Creativity Festival) and 5th-8th grade (CreativeCon). Students attend an opening performance and three interactive sessions led by community professionals from the arts and sciences. Students practice creative thinking and problem solving.
Young Authors Conference (YAC)
March 19, 2026
May 26-28, 2026
YAC is a one-day field trip held at Bethel University for students in 4th-8th grade who love to write. This event features a keynote address, writing sessions, a book fair by Red Balloon Bookshop, live music, an open mic, and more!
STEMLink
March 13, 2026 – Anoka Technical College
April 16-17, 2026 – Hennepin Technical College
STEMLink is a one-day field trip held at a local college for students in 5th and 6th grade. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers come to life as students participate in four hands-on sessions in college labs with professionals from the STEM fields.
In-Office Projects
All Year
SparkPath events are compiled of a million little tasks that make the day great. You could be stuffing folders, counting lanyards, sharpening pencils, sorting signs, prepping handouts, scanning historical documents into our online database, or other skill-based opportunities. No task is too small!
SparkPath’s Volunteer of the Year
At the end of each school year, the SparkPath staff votes for an outstanding volunteer who goes above and beyond to support our organization. These volunteers have spread the word about SparkPath, helped create lasting partnerships, presented or volunteered at events, and more!
2024-2025 Volunteer of the Year: Denise Lachinski
Denise Lachinski has been a dedicated part of Metro Senior High Knowledge Bowl (KB) for over a decade. After her years as a coach, she joined us as a volunteer Reader, where her passion for the program shines through the humor and energy she brings to every competition room.
Previous Volunteers of the Year
| 2023 – 2024 |
| 2022 – 2023 |
| 2021 – 2022 |
| 2020 – 2021 |
| 2019 – 2020 |
| 2018 – 2019 |
| 2017 – 2018 |
| Marcia Lochner STEM Education and Outreach Program Manager |
| Bo Stevens Senior High Knowledge Bowl Volunteer Reader |
| Joanne Kennedy SparkPath Volunteer Extraordinaire |
| Mary Spychalla Gifted & Talented Services Coordinator, Valley Middle School of STEM SparkPath Board Member |
| Russ Matthys Public Works Director, City of Eagan APWA-MN and CEAM member |
| Merilee Light SparkPath Volunteer Extraordinaire |
| Perry Jacobson Thrivent Financial |
© 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.
