We’re thrilled to introduce Khamaria Wolfe, a senior at North Edgecombe High School, as a student intern with with the ECPS Office of Communications this semester. Khamaria, who aspires to a career in journalism, will be shining a spotlight on the incredible people, programs, and stories that make our district so special.
Today, we’re proud to share her very first article, featuring SparkNC - a dynamic program that empowers students to explore and develop skills in cutting-edge tech fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development, and computer systems engineering.
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The world of technology is constantly changing and influencing our daily lives. From artificial intelligence (AI) and software development to cybersecurity and network systems, tech careers are shaping the future in powerful ways. You might wonder why this is so important for students today. The truth is, as technology continues to grow, we must learn and adapt so we don’t get left behind. That’s where SparkNC comes in.
SparkNC is a new, innovative program that gives high school students in North Carolina the chance to explore and learn about different technology fields. Launched in 2023, SparkNC was created when district leaders and teachers came together to rethink education - especially after the challenges of the pandemic showed that traditional learning wasn’t meeting every student’s needs. Thanks to funding from the N.C. General Assembly and a partnership with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, their vision became reality.
This self-paced, online program allows students to select from a wide variety of learning units. While students can dive into areas like game or software development, they can also explore topics connected to their own interests - such as art, design, food, or social media. To earn credit, students complete six units and a capstone project that showcases what they’ve learned. Graduates even receive a special cord at graduation. SparkNC is available in 26 school districts across the state, including Edgecombe County.
At Southwest Edgecombe High School, students have access to their own Sparklab. During a recent visit, I spoke with Spark scholars and their lab leader, Marquita Faison-Burrus. She explained how labs and projects are designed to tackle real-world problems using modern technologies. For example, this year’s students worked on planning a shopping trip using AI tools. “It gives them a chance to forward think: how can I prepare for the unthinkable to happen?” Faison-Burrus shared.
The program is already making a big impact. Student Daniel Perry, for instance, says he once struggled with public speaking but has grown much more confident thanks to SparkNC. He credits the program for helping him improve his communication and critical thinking skills. By building both technical and practical life skills, SparkNC empowers students to become not just tech-savvy, but also confident, adaptable leaders.
Looking ahead, SparkNC is working with universities and community colleges to create even more opportunities for students, including pathways in health sciences. The program’s mission is clear: to prepare students for success, whether in the tech industry or any career they pursue.
If programs like SparkNC were offered in more states, the benefits for students could be enormous. For now, ECPS students have a unique opportunity to take part in a program that is truly “igniting futures in tech.”