SPARK
School Activities
When middle school students participate in music, sports, and the arts, they discover new talents, grow in confidence, and develop leadership skills. However, for families in our area facing financial hardship, the cost of equipment and fees can be overwhelming.
Together, we can remove these barriers. With your help, Start 1 Spark provides students in need with the means to participate in their school's extracurricular activities.
Ignite Potential
Transform the future
42% of public school students in Henrico and 33% in Chesterfield are economically disadvantaged and may not be able to afford what they need to join sports teams, play an instrument, or be part of school clubs.
We are excited to partner with these schools for the 2025-26 school year.
In sixth grade, this monthly spark wanted to try something new…track. Having just finished her third year representing John Rolfe Middle School, she’s immensely proud to wear the school colors. From sprinting the 100-meter dash and running a leg of the 4x200 relay to competing in the long jump, she has embraced every challenge the sport has to offer. Her true passion, though, lies in the 4x400 relay — where she runs as the lead, setting the tone for her entire team. Track has not only kept her in shape, but has taught her to trust her instincts and show what she is capable of on and off the track. Soon, she’ll be going to Henrico’s Advanced Career Education Center to begin training as a nurse aide or occupational therapist. Being a student-athlete has ignited this spark’s belief in herself!
Student Activities
Arts
Clubs
Monthly Newsletter
Music
Sports
About
It started with one idea:
how to connect community members who want to help with students who need assistance. With lots of brainstorming and collaboration, Start 1 Spark was born. The focus on extracurricular activities addresses a current need while developing the next generation. Extracurricular activities allow students to discover their passions, become leaders, improve communication skills, and explore creative outlets. These extracurriculars are more than a luxury, it’s an opportunity to reveal the student’s potential.