History of SPARKS

The Office of University-School Partnership Initiatives and Undergraduate Admissions K-12 Early Outreach started SPARKS in 2004. Originally serving Phoenix Union and Tolleson Union High School Districts, SPARKS sought to increase college awareness among high school students. Sophomore-senior undergraduate college students worked primarily with high school students that were in the top 25% of their class and who met entrance requirements. Events included campus visits, college fairs, and workshops.

Fast forward to 2012, SPARKS is housed within Educational Outreach and Student Services- Access ASU. Serving over nine districts and numerous community service organizations, SPARKS works primarily with 5th-10th graders in underrepresented populations (minority, low socioeconomic status, and first generation students). Current Sun Devils increase college aspirations and awareness of educational opportunities by sharing their own success stories.