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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.
Be the SPARK
Top needs
44% of public school students in Henrico and 38% 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.

Explore these opportunities to start a spark for Richmond-area students.
Basketball
Image by Edgar Chaparro
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Paint Brushes
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Top Needs
Impact

With your help, Start 1 Spark has:

sparked

506

students

provided

191

sports and music items

delivered

2170

snack kits to hungry athletes

Monthly Spark

This month's spark is an 8th grader at John Rolfe Middle School who loves playing the tuba. One of his favorite things about being a member of the concert band is the field trips. This year, the JRMS concert band has visited its feeder elementary schools to inspire next year's 6th graders to join the beginning band. In the fall, JRMS band members traveled to the Henrico County Marching Band Showcase; now he looks forward to joining Varina High School's band next year. But the highlight of being a member of the JRMS concert band is the opportunity to play at Kings Dominion this spring! Music is shaping this young man into a leader his classmates and younger students look up to and inspiring him to pursue his dreams!

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News
IN tHE News

John Rolfe Middle School instrument signing day with Start 1 Spark

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Partnership highlighted during HCPS April School Board Meeting

monthly Newsletter
Archived Newsletters
About
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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.

About
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