Earlier this fall, the SPARK team spent a day volunteering with Start 1 Spark, a Richmond-based nonprofit that helps ignite student potential by connecting schools with the resources and hands-on support they need to thrive.
We were matched with John Rolfe Middle School in Henrico, a school known for its unique design, where every four classrooms share a central “pod” space meant for small-group instruction. Over time and as the school grew, those pods had been used for storage and extra educational materials, crowding out their original purpose.
With the school closed for a teacher work day, the SPARK team rolled up our sleeves to sort, organize, and recycle, clearing and transforming six pods in just one morning. Once emptied, the school’s custodial crew moved in desks and chairs that same afternoon, turning the pods back into dedicated learning spaces for students who benefit from smaller, focused environments.
The partnership with Start 1 Spark felt like a natural fit (and not just because of the similarity in our names!) “We’re a team of engineers and designers,” said Philip O’Connor, Managing Partner at SPARK. “We’re used to solving problems with our hands, and this was just another way to put those skills to good use. It’s rewarding to know that a few hours of work can make such a direct impact for students and teachers.”
Amber said she appreciated the team’s thoughtful, can-do approach.
“They were so flexible and helpful,” she said. “The SPARK team rolled up their sleeves and got right to work moving large items, reorganizing materials, and making sure nothing useful went to waste. They were able to clear all six pods before lunch! That’s work that would have taken days without extra hands. It was great to have a group that was willing to do whatever was needed to get the job done.”
For Start 1 Spark, projects like this go beyond organization and manual labor. They help create access.
“In order to participate in extracurriculars, students have to have good grades,” explained Amber Lancaster, Executive Director of Start 1 Spark. “If a student needs extra help but doesn’t have the right learning environment, that can limit what they’re able to do after school. By helping John Rolfe reopen these pods, SPARK helped give students the space and support they need to succeed, in the classroom and beyond.”
We build products by trade, but days spent building community are especially rewarding for our team. We were grateful for the chance to help, and to see firsthand how Start 1 Spark makes connections between local businesses and schools to help our community’s teachers and students.
If you want to make a difference outside of the office, reach out to Start 1 Spark to get matched with volunteer opportunities.
