Nonprofit Mission and Vision Statements
SPARK Summer Camp is a free science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) camp for 7th and 8th-grade girls in the Kenosha and Racine area, held at Carthage College over three days and two nights during July. Hands on, interactive workshops aim to captivate, excite, and educate campers on the possibilities of a career in STEM. In addition to one-of-a-kind demos, campers participate in leadership training and college preparatory seminars.
Our mission is to break down social and financial barriers, making STEM accessible to all girls who have the interest and passion. The STEM Progress Alliance for Racine and Kenosha is ready to spark the next generation of scientists and innovators in our community.
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SPARK was created less than a year ago by a young Kenosha woman named Hannah Skenziel, who grew up with the dream of becoming a doctor. Later this year, she will be starting her first year in medical school.
As Skenziel was completing her undergraduate work at Carthage College, she saw the need for an outlet where young girls could express and expand their interests in science. After a year of endless hard work, community action, and organizing a team of dedicated volunteers, Skenziel saw her vision come to life. On July 26, 2019, 29 young girls came to Carthage for three days and two nights of fun and STEM focused learning activities focused on leadership, zoology, neurology, biology, chemistry, and so much more!
Next year the camp plans to be bigger, with more labs, workshops, and activities! The goal is to reach fifty girls, using the same pro bono and community building approach that made this year’s inaugural SPARK Summer Camp so successful.
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STEM is a growing focus for careers, communities, and the world. In the U.S., where men outnumber women three to one in the STEM industries, we are here to help promote and develop the potential of young females in our communities. SPARK does this by giving 7th and 8th-grade girls of all social and economic backgrounds a chance to further their knowledge and interests to help prepare them for their future.
SPARK is the only pro bono, all-girls STEM camp in the region and needs the continued support of the Racine and Kenosha communities to further its reach to even more young 7the & 8th-grade girls. SPARK is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to improving our communities. We depend on people like you to make this camp possible. It is through community sponsorships that we can waive all registration fees — as well as the cost of room and board, meals, and equipment — making SPARK Summer Camp free for all girls who wish to attend.