SPARC publishes that: "No child is ever turned away from SPARC because of inability to pay tuition." To date, we've been able to live up to that promise due to the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations.

The growth in STAGES programs has been dramatic: In 2004, SPARC awarded more than $28,500 (total) in direct scholarship assistance and in free after-school training programs. In 2005, this figure had grown to more than $59,000 in scholarships and free after-school programs ($26,800 in scholarships and work-study assistance and an additional $32,350 in free after-school training programs). In 2006, we hope to provide $75,000 in free after-school training programs.

SPARC began free STAGES training programs in the following locations in 2005: Swansboro Elementary School, HYPE Agape Academy, Woodville Elementary School, Albert Hill Middle School, Peter Paul Development Center, and NRC Fulton Hill. In addition, existing SPARC programs at Holton Elementary School and Sacred Heart Center were expanded.

SPARC's free training programs have seen such growth in response to decreased arts funding in elementary schools, especially in inner-city schools. As schools have emphasized training for SOL testing, other programs, especially programs in the arts, have been reduced. Unfortunately, children still need to find safe ways to express themselves, to work collaboratively and to develop poise and self-confidence. All of these come through SPARC training classes.

SPARC has been training children in the performing arts for the past 28 years. Our experience has helped us develop age-appropriate activities that foster poise, self-confidence, active listening and teamwork.

SPARC classes are ongoing programs that are operated by the administration and conducted by qualified, experienced adjunct faculty and aides. SPARC faculty are typically credentialed, working professionals who have demonstrated an ability to work with children in an educational setting.

The broad goal of each SPARC class is to give students skills that last a lifetime. Outcomes for each class are that students will demonstrate greater poise, self-confidence, an ability to listen, to memorize, and to be a team player. These skills in turn will translate to better classroom performance and better preparation for life.

1. To have each child be able to stand up in front of a group of people and clearly speak his/her name and some general information.
2. To have each child learn how to control nervousness and anxiety while speaking in front of a group of people.
3. To have each child learn ways of building their own self confidence through age appropriate activities and be able to apply those skills not only in a performance situation, but in all other aspects of their life.
4. To have each child learn how to memorize text, song lyrics or movements in a controlled or directed environment.
5. To have each child be able to perform, on cue, any material that was memorized or learned.
6. To have each child be able to participate in group activities and share the responsibility of working within a group to achieve a task or a finished product.
7. To have each child learn and exhibit the basic elements of theatrical performance: stage directions, voice control, volume, enunciation, diction, emotional expression and charm.

Professional faculty will work weekly with students to be certain that they are working up to their individual potential each class period. SPARC adminstrator(s) make periodic, unannounced visits to the classroom. There are parent observation days for each session, and a presentation at the end of each semester. Faculty are responsible for collecting weekly information, and SPARC administrators observe each semester's final performance to evaluate class progress. Individual and class evaluation forms are produced and kept on record in SPARC's offices.

SPARC faculty are achieving the outcomes described above at schools and community centers throughout the Richmond area. Through classes and final performances, students, faculty and parents all perceive that SPARC training is effective in giving children skills they will need in their school and in their lives.

As evidence of SPARC's success, several sites have requested additional SPARC classes for their constituents. Specifically, SPARC offers more classes (and serves more children) at HYPE Agape Academy, Peter Paul Development Center, and Woodville Elementary School, among others.

For more information about how you can help support SPARC’s STAGES Programs, please call SPARC at (804) 353-3393, x 226.