SPARK-Y: Youth Action Labs

Spark-Y is a 501(c)(3) non-profit empowering over 1,900 Twin Cities youth annually.

We serve our mission through three main branches:

School Programs: Spark-Y Partners with schools to deliver hands-on sustainable projects, such as aquaponics, paired with STEM-based curriculum. These programs are offered for credit and customized to classrooms, elective classes, or workshops. Spark-Y school programs have resulted in greenhouses, the largest in-school aquaponics system, and even a school-wide garden to cafeteria initiative.

Annual Internship: Every year youth join us from around the country to participate in our seven-week sustainability boot camp. Our interns execute sustainable projects throughout the Twin Cities while gaining real-world experience.

Urban Agriculture Lab (UAL): Our Spark-Y headquarters is home to 1,300 square feet of growing space where youth grow and sell sustainable produce to restaurants and coops. The UAL also features a DIY Bio Lab where we test and integrate science innovation into Spark-Y school programs.