Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) celebrated the June opening of its new SparkNC Lab, marking a milestone as the only SparkLab in North Carolina located on a community college campus. The event drew community members, students, and local partners eager to explore the new high-tech learning space designed to prepare Cumberland County youth for careers in emerging technology fields.
During the open house, attendees got hands-on with the lab's STEM equipment and tested high- performance computer programs firsthand. Guests also met Sparky the dog, the robotic mascot representing the Spark Lab initiative, who added a fun, interactive touch to the day's festivities.
"The opening of the SparkNC Lab marks an important milestone in our commitment to preparing students for the opportunities of a rapidly changing economy," said FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells. "Through competency-based learning and hands-on exploration of emerging technologies, students will gain exposure to high-demand career pathways and develop the skills, confidence and curiosity needed to thrive in the workforce of the future. This partnership reflects our dedication to connecting
education with innovation and creating meaningful opportunities for student success.”
SparkNC offers Cumberland County middle and high school students a flexible, personalized way to explore high-tech career fields including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computer systems engineering, software development and game development. Through hands-on learning experiences, industry connections, internships, and digital portfolios, the program helps students build real-world skills and discover pathways toward high-wage, high-impact careers. Notably, 72% of learners who initially had little or no interest in pursuing a high-tech career reported stronger interest in the field after participating in SparkNC.
The program operates as a statewide interdistrict network, with SparkLabs already established in counties such as Cabarrus, Guilford, Wake, New Hanover, and now Cumberland. Each lab serves as a modern, collaborative hub where "Spark Scholars" connect with peers, teachers, and tech industry professionals across North Carolina, supported by videoconferencing technology that links labs into a shared interdistrict classroom.
The SparkLab High-Tech Learning Accelerator lets students earn credit toward graduation while charting their own educational path. Learners can choose from more than 50 modular learning experiences, moving at their own pace across formats that include on-demand, experiential and interdistrict instruction.
• No prerequisites are required to get started
• Learning experiences are available online, in-person, or as a blend of both
• Learning pathways include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computer Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Design UX/UI, Exploring Tech Fields, Game Development and Design and Software Development
• Students can survey multiple tech fields or dive deeper into a specific area of interest
The Accelerator serves as both an entry point for students new to high-tech fields and an accelerated track for those pursuing industry-recognized credentials.
SparkNC's success is bolstered by a robust network of industry partners, including companies like Epic Games and SAS, who serve on the program's Business Advisory Council and Board of Directors. These partners help shape curriculum relevance and provide students with mentorship, internships and job-shadowing opportunities that build professional networks well before graduation.
"SparkNC is a transformational model that empowers learners to pursue technology careers and show mastery of their learning in unique ways," said Adam Garry, an Artificial Intelligence Consultant who has shared the program's approach across North America. This industry engagement ensures the curriculum stays aligned with the evolving needs of North Carolina's tech workforce.
The SparkLab at FTCC is open to all Cumberland County students in grades 8 through 12. Students can sign up through their home school to enroll in the FTCC SparkLab, or they may stop by in person Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the FTCC campus at 2817 Fort Bragg Rd, General
Classroom Building, Room 113, Fayetteville, to speak directly with a lab facilitator.
With its central location on FTCC's campus, the lab gives Cumberland County students unique early access to a higher education environment paired with cutting-edge technology, distinguishing it as North Carolina's only community-college-based SparkLab.
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