SPARK Program Participation Process

SPARK Program - Application & Participation Process

1 Step 1: Referral or Interest Submission

Students may be referred to SPARK through one of the following pathways:

All referrals begin with a SPARK Interest & Readiness Form.

Submission of an interest form does not guarantee placement.

BYLP staff review submissions to determine:

SPARK prioritizes students who would benefit from:

2 Step 2: Initial Review & Eligibility Screening

3 Step 3: Parent/Guardian Consent

If a student is eligible to move forward:

Participation terms are reviewed, including:

4 Step 4: Placement or Waitlist

Based on capacity:

BYLP communicates clearly about:

5 Step 5: Program Participation

Once enrolled, students participate in SPARK through:

Practical exercises focused on:

SPARK is educational and developmental, not clinical or academic remediation

6 Step 6: Progress Check-Ins & Completion

Throughout the program:

Completion does not guarantee advancement to other BYLP programs, but students may be referred to additional supports when appropriate.

Important Program Notes

SPARK Program - Application & Participation Process

1

Step 1: Referral or Interest Submission

Students may be referred to SPARK through one of the following pathways:

BYLP Advocacy services

School counselors, teachers, or administrators

Community-based partner organizations

Parent/guardian interest submission (when enrollment is open)

All referrals begin with a SPARK Interest & Readiness Form.

Submission of an interest form does not guarantee placement.

BYLP staff review submissions to determine:

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Student eligibility (grades 6-12)

Alignment with SPARK program focus areas

Current program capacity and funding

SPARK prioritizes students who would benefit from:

Academic planning support

College, career, or financial aid awareness

Self-advocacy and confidence-building

Structured decision-making and goal setting

2

Step 2: Initial Review & Eligibility Screening

3

Step 3: Parent/Guardian Consent

If a student is eligible to move forward:​

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A Parent/Guardian Consent Form is required

Program expectations, scope, and boundaries are clearly explained​

Participation terms are reviewed, including:

Session format

Attendance expectations

Data collection for program evaluation (if applicable)

No student participates without documented consent

4

Step 4: Placement or Waitlist

Based on capacity:​

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Students are either placed into an upcoming SPARK cohort

Or added to a waitlist for future sessions

BYLP communicates clearly about:

Start dates

Session frequency

Duration of participation

Whether participation is short-term or ongoing

5

Step 5: Program Participation

Once enrolled, students participate in SPARK through:​

Interactive workshops

Guided activities and group discussions

Practical exercises focused on:

Academic planning

Postsecondary options

Financial aid awareness

Communication and self-advocacy

Time management and decision-making

SPARK is educational and developmental, not clinical or academic remediation

6

Step 6: Progress Check-Ins & Completion

Throughout the program:

BYLP conducts informal check-ins with students

Feedback may be gathered from students and families

Participation outcomes are documented for program improvement

Completion does not guarantee advancement to other BYLP programs, but students may be referred to additional supports when appropriate.

Important Program Notes

SPARK is not a guaranteed service.

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Participation is based on funding availability, program capacity, and individual student needs.

​

SPARK does not replace school-based counseling, tutoring, or clinical services.

If a student is eligible to move forward:

Program expectations, scope, and boundaries are clearly explained

Based on capacity:

Once enrolled, students participate in SPARK through: