HIGHSCHOOL BRIGHTSPARK TRACKS
Track 1: Full Spark(Starting in Grade 10)
Track 1 is the full standard Brightspark program, designed for students beginning their journey in Grade 10. This track provides an intensive, structured experience that includes mentorship, academic research, essay preparation, internships, and travel experiences. Students spend Grade 10 and the first half of Grade 11 focused on in-depth learning with their mentor, where they acquire the specialized knowledge necessary for advanced research and competitive internships. In Grade 11, they dive into academic research with their mentor, submitting a completed research paper for publication by the end of the school year. The latter half of Grade 11 includes essay preparation, where students learn the Common App essay process and work closely with Brightspark founders. Summer following Grade 11 includes a guaranteed internship placement, and students may attend conferences tied to their research, providing real-world experience. Grade 12 focuses on finalizing and submitting university applications, with support from mentors and Brightspark founders every step of the way. Track 1 is designed to develop a comprehensive and cohesive student profile that maximizes university admissions potential.
Common time commitment for track 1 students:
Grade 10-11: 1 hour extracurriculars class with mentor
Grade 11- 11 end: 1 hour weekly research class with mentor + 1 hour extracurriculars class with mentor
+ biweekly 1 hour essay classes with founder
Grade 11 summer: internship duration
Track 2: Accelerated University Admissions Preparation
Track 2 is ideal for students who join Brightspark at the beginning of Grade 11 and wish to follow an accelerated version of Track 1. This track includes all aspects of Track 1 but condenses the mentorship, research, essay writing, and internship experiences into a shorter timeframe. Beginning in Grade 11, students are paired with a mentor for intensive learning tailored to their field of interest. During the school year, they conduct research under their mentor's guidance and work toward submitting a publication by year-end. As the school year progresses, they also receive essay preparation support, culminating in university application submissions in Grade 12. Summer between Grade 11 and Grade 12 includes a guaranteed internship placement, and students may attend relevant conferences. Track 2 is designed for students ready to dive into a rigorous program with the same level of support and outcomes as Track 1.
Track 3: Admissions Essay
Track 3 is a focused, essay-only program for students looking for expert guidance in crafting powerful college application essays. In this track, students work directly with Brightspark founders to understand the Common App essay process, develop their narrative, and refine their writing style. This track is ideal for students who have strong academic and extracurricular profiles but seek specialized support in presenting their story effectively in their applications. Through regular, structured sessions, students work on their Common App essays and any supplemental essays, ensuring they have compelling, well-crafted responses by the time applications are due.
Track 4: Research Paper
Track 4 is for students who wish to gain experience in academic research and publication without participating in the full admissions program. In this track, students are paired with a mentor in their area of interest and engage in a rigorous research project. The program includes all necessary mentorship and guidance, from choosing a topic to conducting research, analyzing findings, and writing a paper. By the end of the year, students submit their work to academic journals, adding a published paper to their portfolio. Track 4 is ideal for students who are passionate about deepening their knowledge in a specific field and achieving a significant academic milestone.
Track 5: Internship Placement
Note: This is a track that has strict starting student profile strength requirements. FullSpark track 1 students go through an intense learning process from grade 10 to end of grade 11 in order to qualify.
Description: Track 5 provides a guaranteed internship placement for students interested in gaining practical, hands-on experience in a professional setting. Brightspark arranges internships with top companies and industry leaders, focusing on fields such as technology, finance, engineering, and research. This track is ideal for students who want to build a strong professional profile and gain industry experience that aligns with their career interests. Through their internship, students gain valuable skills, real-world exposure, and networking opportunities, giving them a competitive edge in their college applications and future careers.
Track 6: Early Start Program(Starting in Grade 8)
Track 6 is designed for students beginning in Grade 8 who seek a longer-term, developmental path with Brightspark. In this track, students spend Grades 8 through 10 working closely with subject tutors to build foundational knowledge, explore interests, and establish a profile. Following this foundation phase, students move into the same structure as Track 1, including research, essay preparation, internships, and conference travel. By starting early, students have more time to deepen their expertise, refine their profiles, and fully develop their academic and extracurricular interests. Track 6 provides a comprehensive, gradual development experience that prepares students for the highest levels of academic achievement and university admissions success.
UNIVERSITY AND POST-UNIVERSITY BRIGHTSPARK TRACKS
Track 7: Internship/Fulltime Placement(guarantee)
Note: Very limited spots, acceptance on a case by case basis conditional on students with an outstanding initial profile. Typically only reserved for track 1 and 2 high school students.
Description: For students currently in university or recent graduates, this track guarantees internship or full-time position placement. Candidates are paired with a Spark mentor currently serving as a hiring manager or in connection with a hiring manager for direct placement. For students not yet meeting the standard for track 7, track 8 is advised.
Track 8: Internship/Fulltime Position Coaching
Description: Over a period of 1-2 months, mentors coach students on the full interview process(resume, skills assessments, application responses, applicant accounts) for their ideal role, creating a career path plan, meeting twice a week.