Breaking into tech can be challenging—SPARK is here to simplify the journey! We're committed to creating an inclusive experience for participants across the GTA, ensuring everyone feels welcome to chase their dreams and build something they can be proud of.
Our mission at SPARK is to help youth develop skills necessary to gateway into STEM fields. This is done in inclusive environments such as hackathons and learnathons where students use leadership skills and creativity to develop projects that solve an important issue or create new innovative ideas. As a non-profit organization, we have hosted the largest student-run GTA hackathons both in-person and online since 2018, creating ripples of impact in our community. We continue to evolve, grow with new events, and we encourage those with a passion for STEM to participate and Start the SPARK!
Projects
We are looking for sponsors to help us provide the best experience for our participants. Your support will help us provide prizes, mentorship, and resources to help our participants succeed. Want to sponsor us? Email us at admin@startthespark.ca.
Hackathon Participant
SPARK Hackathon was the first-ever hackathon I went to and honestly it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It was a great environment for new hackers and the mentors were great help when we got stuck on an idea of how to move forward.
Hackathon Participant
I had the opportunity to compete in the 2018 SPARK hackathon and I have to say kudos to the SPARK team, loved the event. The opening ceremonies included great speakers with inspiring insights that were relatable to us participants. What I loved about the challenge question is how open-ended it was - the teams were given full creative control with the ideas encouraging us to have fun with it.
Hackathon Participant
The SPARK hackathon is by far the best hackathon I’ve been to! I loved the energy everyone had throughout the 24 hours. The challenge was innovative and unique as it encompassed the fundamentals of space exploration, business, and computer science. I also had the opportunity to meet new people that were interested in the STEM field just as I was. It was a priceless experience and I can’t wait to be back next year!
Hackathon Participant
SPARK Hackathon was the first-ever hackathon I went to and honestly it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It was a great environment for new hackers and the mentors were great help when we got stuck on an idea of how to move forward.
Hackathon Participant
I had the opportunity to compete in the 2018 SPARK hackathon and I have to say kudos to the SPARK team, loved the event. The opening ceremonies included great speakers with inspiring insights that were relatable to us participants. What I loved about the challenge question is how open-ended it was - the teams were given full creative control with the ideas encouraging us to have fun with it.
Hackathon Participant
The SPARK hackathon is by far the best hackathon I’ve been to! I loved the energy everyone had throughout the 24 hours. The challenge was innovative and unique as it encompassed the fundamentals of space exploration, business, and computer science. I also had the opportunity to meet new people that were interested in the STEM field just as I was. It was a priceless experience and I can’t wait to be back next year!
Hackathon Participant
SPARK Hackathon was the first-ever hackathon I went to and honestly it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It was a great environment for new hackers and the mentors were great help when we got stuck on an idea of how to move forward.
SPARK is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) centred Non-Profit Organization that aims to bring STEAM-focused education, competitions and services accessible to youth in the GTA.