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Board highlights SparkLab expansion, Boys & Girls Club and YMCA collaborations
Summary
Board members discussed multiple MOUs and new partnerships that expand SparkLab access and after-school programs, including a donated SparkLab at New Hanover High School and added YMCA sites for after-school care.
Board members discussed new and renewed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that extend after-school and technical-learning partnerships in New Hanover County, including expansion of SparkLab access and additional YMCA after-school sites.
The board flagged multiple MOUs as renewals and several as new partnerships; staff said they will provide an itemized email indicating which agreements are 'renewals' and which are new or substantially revised so board members can focus discussion next week. During that review board members and staff noted several program-level developments: a SparkLab will be added to New Hanover High School, Boys & Girls Club locations will host SparkLab modules, and YMCA after-school care will expand to additional school sites.
Staff said the SparkLab expansion will not carry equipment or staffing costs for the district: according to staff the equipment and some instructional support for the SparkLab locations are being funded by partners. The board discussed program metrics, and staff committed to provide a written summary of early outcomes from the existing SparkLab sites, including examples of student placements and post-graduation employment tied to SparkLab participation.
Board members also noted that a SparkLab statewide conference and visits by students from CTEC are planned this summer; staff said they would provide a written report of early results and longer-term outcome measures (graduates employed by partner firms and students who completed capstone modules).
Status and next steps: staff will email a classification of the MOUs (renewal vs. new) and highlight items the board pulled for detailed discussion next week. Board members asked for a written summary of SparkLab outcomes, partnership agreements that define district cost responsibilities, and follow-up on which partners are donating equipment and staffing.
Ending: Board members applauded the local partnerships and asked staff for outcome data so the board can evaluate continuation and scale-up.
