Transform the SPARK (Students and Parents Accessing Reading by Kindergarten)- DeKalb County

Program Overview

Transform the SPARK is a community learning lab that offers a culturally-relevant approach to early learning. Our unique program supports the whole child with systematic, explicit oral language development where families, children, and childhood providers learn side-by-side through bi-monthly virtual meetups, engaging in culturally-relevant, hands-on literacy activities that increase toddlers' vocabulary. Low CWB communities benefit from an increase in strong readers.

Transform the SPARK's vision is to close the education equity gap in low Child Well-Being communities and develop strong learners. We want children in Regions 5, 6, and 7 across DeKalb County to have the SPARK of imagination and vocabulary brought on by literacy. The earlier a child has access to books, the more they can explore and understand the world around them. Research shows that children who have adults read to them improve vocabulary by 30%.

To tackle this need, we take a four-pronged approach:
(1) Access to Early Learning: Prepare kids to be strong readers before they enter school
(2) Enhance Family Time: Encourage educational learning experiences at home

(3) Access to Quality Learning Materials: Provide culturally-relevant and age-appropriate literacy materials

Transform the SPARK is led by engaged staff members who care about the progress of our families. Our program provides 36 total hours of literacy programming. Typical sessions are 1 - 1.5 hr hours twice per month, facilitated by highly-qualified educators who undergo a rigorous screening process including a STEAM Coach and Literacy Coach.

For additional information, view our recently awarded program funding pitch video with United Way of Greater Atlanta; https://youtu.be/LKXeTJbl-OY

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Metamorphasis Powerhouse Company is an award-winning nonprofit highlighted as a 2020 Top-Rated Great Nonprofit. View our success stories from participants, volunteers, funders and partners at https://greatnonprofits.org/org/metamorphasis-powerhouse-company-inc