Where is the SPARK program located?

Our headquarters for the 2009 SPARK program will be located at the Rutgers University Cook Campus Center, 59 Biel Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8508.

What is a typical day at SPARK like?

Teaching assistants/camp counselors will be expected to arrive by 7:15 am each morning, at the Rutgers University Cook Campus Center-2nd Floor Lounge, to assist students through early morning activities.  Lunch will be provided as you will be expected to enjoy this meal with participants of the program.  At 4:30, once class is over, you will escort the participants back to our office where you will participate in afternoon activities ranging from playing pool, video games, etc.  Dismissal will be at 5:30 pm.

Is lunch provided for SPARK staff?

Yes, lunch will be provided.

What do I wear to SPARK?
SPARK provides each staff member with 3 SPARK shirts that must be worn to camp each day.


What is the difference, if any, between the SPARK program and the Rutgers Future Scholars program?
The SPARK program will run two three-week sessions (7/6-7/24 & 7/27-8/14) in which any child can register and participate.  

The Rutgers Future Scholars program introduces fist-generation, low-income and academically-talented middle school students from our two Rutgers home communities (New Brunswick & Piscataway) to the promise and opportunities of a college education.   These students are pre-selected and attend our program during the summer...the 2008 cohort will join us June 29-July 2 and the 2009 cohort enrolling from August 17-28.


Do SPARK employees get any sick days/vacation days?
The summer is very short and the children need your assistance every day.  If there is a real emergency, we ask that you please discuss your situation with the office staff.

Is there pre-camp training/orientation that SPARK employees attend?
We will provide online training modules as well as a one-day training session for all faculty and staff.  Orientation will take place on Friday, June 26th.  7:30 am to 4:30 PM.

Are there any other orientation/special days I should be aware of?
Yes, there will be a parent/staff orientation day on Saturday, June 27th from 10:00-12:00 in which all faculty/staff will be asked to participate in.   During the orientation there will be an opportunity for a question and answer period between the parents and students.


How large is SPARK?
SPARK vary in size depending on the session.  Some of our smaller groups range from 26-30, while some of our larger groups ranging up to 90 participants. 


How many participants are in each class?
The ratio of teaching assistants to participant is 7:1.   Our hope is to keep class sizes to no more than 15 participants.


Is there time for staff to socialize?
During the SPARK program the isn't much time for staff to socialize.  The main focus of the program is the safety and care of the children.   At the end of each session, there will be an awards ceremony in which all faculty and staff will have time to un-wind and hang out!