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Our Program
Spark is an after-school mentorship program for students in grades K-6th. All the youth in this program are referred to us by the principal and we meet on school grounds in Hudsonville & Jenison schools. Spark benefits students and families on the margins or those who are struggling in various ways . It is our goal to serve this population and provide them a safe and supportive place to be after school while offering mentorship and academic support.
Through Spark we:
grow character, develop leadership skills, and build community.
Our program is tuition free and this has allowed many single mothers, fathers, and families within the ALICE population the time needed to work and get ahead without the cost of childcare keeping them in the cycle of poverty. Not only do we strive to create a safe and supportive place for our students, but our desire is to help families in our community succeed.
Testimonials
“The SPARK program has helped me meet other friends and to be more kind to others."
Dylan-Spark Student
“My daughter has been greatly impacted by going to Spark, it gave her somewhere to go with other kids where she received extra help with reading and she thoroughly enjoyed her time. She loved all the games that helped her learn without even realizing that was what they were doing!”
Brooke Kosloski- Parent of Spark Student
“I believe kids can never have enough positive adults in their lives who really believe in them. Spark is a rewarding opportunity to get to know some great kids through homework help, playing games and conversation. It's encouraging when relationships are built, and I see them navigating positively in their peer relationships, time management and self-control”.
Patty Wallinga-Volunteer