SPARK has just announced Round 2 of the SPARK Equity Awards. These grants are offered through the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University. This award was established by Dr. Thom McKenzie and Dr. Jim Sallis — the two principal investigators who started SPARK in 1989. Funding is available to bring SPARK (curriculum, training, and equipment) to organizations (schools, districts, after school, or early childhood centers) and individual PE teachers or physical activity providers who serve in low-income communities.
Over 130k in funds are available for individuals like PE teachers and physical activity providers as well as organizations such as schools, districts, after school or early childhood centers. Applications due by 11:59pm PT on February 16, 2024. To apply, click this link to apply as an individual or this link to apply as an organization. To read our FAQ before applying, click here.
Check out these testimonials from our 1st round of SPARK Equity Awards in 2023:
“We are so thankful for SPARK! The SPARK development training with our staff was amazing! Our SPARK trainer Julie F was full of energy and engaging, and our staff left feeling excited to implement the strategies they learned. SPARK’s innovative physical education curriculum and equipment will allow us to enhance the physical education activities that we provide during our Y afterschool programs and will provide our children with the tools they need to lead active, healthy lives.”
– Courtney Jackson, Financial Development Associate, YMCA of the Capital Area
“Our summer camp counselor’s really enjoyed engaging the campers in activities from the SPARK curriculum”
– Monica Brown, Childcare Program Director, YMCA of the Capital Area
“The SPARK curriculum was very helpful, I was able to find activities that were fun and easy to implement with campers of all ages”
– Ta’Leah Reed, Summer Camp Counselor, YMCA of the Capital Area
“We were able to adapt the SPARK curriculum music CD to existing games we already knew and played to make them even better”
– Destiny Brown, Summer Camp Counselor, YMCA of the Capital Area
“Thank you Julie for a wonderful training experience and creating a “SPARK” in our staff this summer!”
– Monica Brown, Childcare Program Director
