This year's ArtReach project is called "Show Your Sparks" and it's focused on supporting the new Telstar Freshman Academy program at the UMaine 4H Bryant Pond Learning Center.  All funds raised at the ArtReach event will be used by the Telstar 9th grade class to support "sparks-focused" learning opportunities. "Sparks” is a metaphor used to describe the passions and interests of youth that “light a fire in their lives and express the essence of who they are and what they offer to the world” (Scales, 2010). We will be working throughout the year to identify students' sparks and match them with extended learning opportunities to fuel their sparks in collaboration with local nonprofits.

 

Research shows that that when young people can identify their spark and they have caring adults in their lives to help nurture their spark, they have higher grades and better attendance in school, they are more likely to have strong social skills, they are more likely to volunteer to help others, and they report feeling a sense of purpose.  They are also less likely to engage in violent acts or struggle with depression. The research also shows that success at school skyrockets when the “thriving formula” is active in a young person’s life. The “thriving formula” is a spark, three peers who can motivate and encourage the youth, and an opportunity to showcase that spark (Benson, 2011).

 

References:

Benson, P. (2011). TEDxTC – Peter Benson – Sparks: How Youth Thrive.. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqzUHcW58Us [Accessed 13 Oct. 2014].

 

Scales, P. (2010, December). Finding the student spark: Missed opportunities in school engagement.  Search Institute Insights & Evidence, 5(1).  Available at: http://www.faithformationlearningexchange.net/uploads/5/2/4/6/5246709/sparks_research.pdf [Accessed 13 Oct. 2014].