SPARK Mentoring Program

Igniting the Spirit of Hope, Healing and Discovery in our Youth
Bringing hope to youth on probation in the juvenile courses, ages 11 to 18, through transformative community peer-mentoring


What is SPARK?
SPARK is a unique transformative peer mentoring program that brings together youth from high-risk settings and college students.

Our Core Values
- See youth as Sacred
- Embrace Vulnerability
- Non-judgmental community
- Fellowship
We're Growing
We have worked with over 500 youth and 800 college students!

The Problem
Challenging youth and educators often find themselves in a struggle for survival and are unable to resolve differences. Their cries are too often ignored while the crises in their lives continue to grow. Many of these youth are ending up in the Juvenile Justice System where judges have few options that are aimed at helping them get back to school and live productive lives. Too many educators do not have the training or experience required to bring healing and hope to their lives.

What We Do
Spark unites struggling youth with college students in a campus classroom for 10 weeks where we:
- Create a safe place for everyone to be themselves
- Listen to each other
- Engage in fun activities
- Build trust through team building
- Practice vulnerability
- Share food together

Outcomes
- Healing traumas
- Inspiring hope for a better and brighter future
- Dissolving labels and discovering their identity
- Discover the transformative power of nonjudgmental peer-mentoring
- College students become passionate about working with challenging youth
- College students rediscover their calling
- Forming deep and lasting relationships
Recent Photos








Contact Us
For more information on the SPARK mentoring program and how you can use this model in your area, please reach out to us.
College of Education, 151 Ed Annex
University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA 30118