New SparkHub at UNCG creates a first-of-its-kind bridge between K-12, higher education, and the global workforce
To bridge the gap between K-12 education, higher education, and the global workforce, SparkNC, UNCG, and Guilford County Schools (GCS) have launched North Carolina’s first SparkHub. This new learning environment is designed to connect high school students with innovative higher education experiences and in-demand technology careers.
Located on the UNCG campus, the SparkHub serves as a physical and intellectual bridge between K-12 education, higher education, and the global workforce. Through this partnership, GCS students will participate in immersive, hands-on learning experiences developed in collaboration with global technology leaders, including Apple, IBM, Epic Games, Lenovo, TEKsystems and Cisco. The launch is supported in part by Live Oak Bank, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to technology education.
The UNCG SparkHub is part of SparkNC’s growing inter-district network, enabling GCS students to collaborate with peers and technology professionals across North Carolina while gaining exposure to real-world career pathways.
“This partnership is about more than just teaching code — it’s about creating opportunity, confidence, and belonging,” said SparkNC President Lynn Moody. “By opening a SparkHub on the UNCG campus, we are breaking down barriers between high school and higher education and showing students where their potential paths can lead.”
“As a public research university, UNCG is committed to building pathways that expand access and drive economic mobility,” said Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. “This partnership demonstrates how higher education, K-12 schools and industry can work together to create meaningful opportunities for students across our state.”
NC’s first SparkHub launched on Tuesday with a digital signing ceremony including UNC System President Peter Hans, Guilford County Schools Superintendent Whitney Oakley, NC Senator Phil Berger, SparkNC President Lynn Moody, and UNCG Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr.
High-tech curriculum for a digital future
Students participating in the SparkHub will engage in modular learning experiences aligned with some of the fastest-growing, most in-demand fields in the modern economy, including:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
- Game design and esports
- Cybersecurity
- Software development
- UX/UI design
- Data analytics
- Exploring technology careers
The curriculum emphasizes experiential, project-based learning and is designed to evolve alongside industry needs.
A unique pathway to credit
Moving beyond fixed class periods and schedules, the SparkHub allows students to progress through learning modules at their own pace. By completing six learning experiences and building a professional portfolio students may earn a high school computer science credit through GCS.
This modular approach provides students with greater flexibility, autonomy, and ownership over their learning while aligning academic achievement with real-world skills.
The SparkHub launch event included remarks from signatories, current SparkNC students, and technology partners, followed by a tour of the UNCG ARCADE lab and technologies that will be available to incoming students.
Mentorship and innovation
The SparkHub’s location within the UNCG ecosystem provides students with access to faculty expertise and cutting-edge research through ARCADE (Applied Research in Computer Arts, Digitization and Esports). UNCG faculty will provide mentorship and guidance, connecting students to advanced technology applications across disciplines.
The initiative also serves as a living classroom for UNCG students, particularly future educators and researchers, who will support programming while gaining hands-on experience in next-generation teaching and learning environments.
