Together, We Sparked Something Special

We had an incredible time welcoming you to Spark-Y’s Open House!
The energy, curiosity, and conversations made the day unforgettable — and the photo highlights say it all.

Here’s a peek at what our amazing teams have been up to:

🌳 Forestry

• Hands-on tree planting, watering, and maintenance in Hennepin County

• Training with ISA-certified arborists Chad & Rachel Giblin of Trees & Me

• Career guidance and mentorship to launch futures in tree care & arboriculture

• Nature-focused field trips, from tree nurseries to local reserves

🌿 Sustainable Landscapes

• Removing invasive species and planting native species across Minneapolis

• Caring for boulevards and roundabouts — from mulching to watering

• Learning excursions to the MN Arboretum & a water treatment plant

• Supported by grants from BWSR, AGRI, and MWMO

🐟 Sustainability Internship & Education

• Urban Ag Lab aquaponics: planting seeds, testing water, feeding fish, harvesting produce

• Hands-on environmental education: pollinators, rain gardens, germination, water cycle

• STEAM creativity: 3D-printed pollinators, DIY rain gauges, “Build Your Own” aquaponics kits

• Professional development & Blackboard learning to grow future leaders

🏫 Sustainable Education & HQ Upgrades

• Designing hands-on high school CTE curriculum for MPS students

• Piloting Spark-Y Certification: Sustainable Food Systems

• Building an outdoor classroom at Prairie Seeds Academy

• Revitalizing Spark-Y HQ: new Learning Kitchen & refreshed spaces

• Writing grants to keep growing our mission

💡 Guests could also explore 4 hands-on stations:
spark-y.org/kitchen | spark-y.org/aquatic | spark-y.org/markerspace | spark-y.org/timberframe-aquaponics

From all of us at Spark-Y — thank you for showing up, asking great questions, and celebrating hands-on sustainability with us. Let’s keep building a greener, more resilient future together. 🌱

Springing Forward: Growth, Recognition, and Hands-On Impact at Spark-Y

Spring has arrived, and with it, a fresh burst of energy at Spark-Y! From major recognitions to new school partnerships and a decade-strong internship program, we’re excited to share the momentum building in our community.

Spotlight on Leadership: Patrice Banks Earns Two Prestigious Awards

We’re thrilled to celebrate our very own Patrice Banks, Spark-Y Program Director, for receiving Finance & Commerce’s Rising Young Professionals Award this past December. She was also named one of Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 40 Under 40—a tremendous honor that shines a light on her leadership, dedication, and impact both at Spark-Y and across the Twin Cities.

“I feel blessed to have been a blessing to the Spark-Y organization. Being of service is a personal value of mine that carries over into my day-to-day work,” says Patrice.

Reflecting on a year of growth and transformation, she adds: “As I look back on the year, I’m proud of the upgrades we’ve made across the team and our operations—and even more proud of the real impact we’ve made on our youth. We’re positioned for even greater things ahead.”

Congratulations, Patrice!

Program Spotlight: PYC Arts & Technology High School

This spring, we launched a new partnership with PYC Arts & Technology High School, offering students a chance to dive into sustainability through hands-on STEM learning. Led by Spark-Y STEM Educator Aaron McGuire, students spent five weeks building a fully functioning aquaponics system—a closed-loop ecosystem where fish and plants support each other’s growth.

Every Wednesday, students rolled up their sleeves, building, learning, and experimenting in real time. The project wrapped up with a field trip to our Northeast Minneapolis headquarters, where students showcased their system and celebrated their success

We’re proud of the creativity and commitment these young builders brought to the table—and excited for what’s next in this growing partnership!

Spark-Y Summer Internship: Cultivating Leaders for Over a Decade

Every summer Spark-Y hosts our summer internship and apprenticeship programs. The internship is a 6-week real-world, hands-on program designed for high school to college-aged youth to gain resume-building experience by executing sustainable projects throughout the Twin Cities. Youth from all over the country join us at our Northeast Minneapolis headquarters to learn, grow, and connect with industry experts, staff mentors, and a group of peers.

We also welcome apprentices, who bring their talents and interests to specialized focus areas like team leadership, curriculum development, STEAM education, and more. Apprenticeships offer deeper, tailored experiences to those looking to take their impact further.

Interested in joining us this summer? Keep an eye on our website and follow us on Instagram and Facebook—applications open soon!

Patrice 40 Under 40!

PYC aquaponics build