SPRK-ing Interest in Computer Science

Bring the magic of STEM and computer science to Indigenous K-12 students.

Coding and Robotics with a Cultural Lens

The AISES SPRK-ing Interest in Computer Science (CS) program is a fun coding program that combines STEM and computer science to increase awareness, interest, and competency in STEM+CS among Indigenous K-12 students. The SPRK program uses cutting edge technology, powered by Sphero BOLT and Indi robots, that gets students out of their seats to experience real-world applications with hands-on STEM activities that incorporate their culture.

Participating Schools Receive:

Sphero BOLT PowerPack that includes 15 Sphero BOLT Robots
15 Bluetooth capable tablets with the Sphero Edu app installed
Virtual or on-site (depending on COVID-19 restrictions) 2-hour teacher/staff training, introducing teachers to Sphero Education resources and recommendations for incorporating Sphero and coding into curricula
Virtual preparation or onsite (depending on COVID-19 restrictions) 2-hour activity for the students
AISES SPRK-ing Interest Lesson Booklet
Sphero Educator Guide
Educator access to customized Sphero online training at the virtual Sphero Academy,
Access to 100’s of BOLT activities and curriculum on Sphero Edu

Criteria to Participate:

K-12 public, private, and tribal schools serving a significant percentage of Native students. Priority will be given to Middle Schools.
A minimum of 50 students participating in program (exceptions made with smaller entities).
Schools (or alternative entities such as afterschool programs) with emerging STEM programs and/or schools seeking to increase internal capacity to deliver STEM+CS curriculum using technology.
Availability for SPRK-ing program visit virtually or in person by AISES staff during the Fall, Winter, or Spring.
Availability of a large room with an open floor (library, oversized classroom, gym) for 2 days for the teachers/staff training and hands-on activities with students for in person training.
Commitment of a two-hour teacher/staff training by AISES staff.
• Availability of students for a total of two hours for hands-on intro activity. It can include working one day with students during their normal class period and the following day during normal class periods. Or during an afterschool program setting.
Ability to complete Teacher and Student Surveys after implementation.

Applications are open on a rolling basis and 2024-2025 schools are welcome to apply!

Native American students have the least access to computer science

Indigenous communities have unique experiences, barriers, and challenges in offering and fully engaging CS education in their K-12 systems. While 51% of U.S. public high schools currently offer computer science, only 20% of high schools located on Native American reservation land do so. Just 59% of Native American and Native Alaskan students attend a school that offers computer science.

Read the Report

Ways to Support

Share our program with Native-serving schools and tribal communities in your network.

Here's how we are addressing that!

SPRK-ing Interest in Action

Participating Schools

More Indigenous Students Learning cS

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians invests in their future

AISES in Canada Registration Now Open!