Spark Lab

An early-exposure program that introduces youth to the entertainment industry, helping them discover their spark and connect it to purpose-driven pathways across the creators and innovation economies.

Program Overview

Sparking purpose through early exposure

Spark Club in Atlanta, GA, provides youth with direct access to industry-level creative tools and experiences through Spark Lab Studios at the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club. Focused on podcasting, content creation, and music production, this space allows participants to develop real-world skills in storytelling, media production, and digital creativity. Through hands-on learning and guided mentorship, youth build confidence, refine their voice, and gain early exposure to careers in the entertainment and media industries.

Spark Club in Detroit, MI expands access to innovation through Spark Lab Studios at the Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club, a first-of-its-kind creative space developed in partnership with Sean Anderson Foundation and Ilitch Sports & Entertainment. Designed for the next generation of creators, this lab offers hands-on experience in CGI and digital production, Unreal Engine training, podcasting and content creation, as well as unique spaces including a hair and creative styling studio and a special effects and prosthetic lab. This immersive environment empowers youth to explore storytelling, technology, and innovation while building pathways into the entertainment and creative industries.

IN ACTION

PROGRAM GALLERY

Moments that reflect the energy, collaboration, and creativity of the experience.

Why It Matters

Early exposure creates lasting direction

Spark Club focuses on early exposure to opportunities in the creators and innovation economies while helping youth build confidence, clarity, and aspiration.

Discovery

Find your spark

Students uncover the passions, strengths, and interests that can shape their future.

Exposure

See real pathways

Youth explore the many roles that power entertainment, culture, media, and innovation.

Readiness

Build foundational skills

Participants strengthen self-awareness, self-care, reflection, and early career confidence.

Program Focus Areas

What youth explore in Spark Club

A structured experience designed to help students connect identity, purpose, and opportunity.

Entertainment Industry Exposure

Exploration of various career pathways across the entertainment ecosystem.

Recruitment & Early Exposure

Connecting youth to opportunities and career inspiration early in their journey.

Personality Assessment

Students discover their natural strengths, interests, and tendencies.

Identifying Your Spark

Activities that guide students to uncover their passion and purpose.

Expressing Your Spark

Helping youth articulate their spark and align it with real-world opportunities.

Self-Awareness & Self-Care

Grounding practices that build confidence, intentionality, and wellbeing.

Featured Media

See Spark Club in action

This section mirrors the Entertainment Industry Club layout and gives the Spark Club page a stronger visual break. You can swap in the final Spark Club video whenever it is approved.

Youth Outcomes

What participants leave with

Spark Club helps youth move from curiosity to clarity through guided reflection, industry awareness, and purpose-centered development.

Clarity

Students better understand who they are, what they value, and what inspires them.

Confidence

Youth gain language and self-belief to communicate their spark and future goals.

Connection

Participants begin linking passion to education, careers, and real opportunities.

LOOKING TO COLLABORATE WITH UNL?

We partner with funders, employers, educators, and organizations to expand access to career pathways in entertainment.

Next Step