By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

Frigid temperatures did not deter a record 2,300 eighth graders from descending on SUNY Broome’s campus for SPARK 2025! Now in its fifth year, SPARK at SUNY Broome is an immersive career exploration expo designed to introduce local students to the many academic and professional opportunities that await them within the region. 

Rooted in the belief that it’s never too early to explore the professional landscape, SPARK combines hands-on educational experiences with mini-information sessions that detail each profession’s educational requirements, day-to-day duties, and average salaries. 

Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

“Today’s parents and students are increasingly focused on clear pathways from education to successful careers. At SUNY Broome, we offer hands-on training, real-world experience, and academic programs that align with today’s workforce needs,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Penny Kelly. “We’re not just preparing students for college – we’re preparing them for life and careers beyond it… Our hope is that the students’ memories of their visit to campus for SPARK 2025 will bring them back to SUNY Broome in a few years to pursue a degree or program.”

SPARK’s mission to attract and retain a future workforce of local talent is the result of a unique collaboration between SUNY Broome, Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP), Broome-Tioga BOCES, and the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. 

The middle schoolers spent their day working alongside some of SUNY Broome’s most innovative faculty members to explore the art of flower arranging, develop critical life-saving techniques, delve into the world of 3D printing, and discover what it’s like to be “on the job” for a variety of careers via virtual reality. 

Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

SPARK 2025 Fast Facts 

  • 2,300 eighth-grade students from 19 regional districts attended the event. 
  • Students participated in more than 70 hands-on activities. 
  • 25+ SUNY Broome faculty members developed and presented career exploration activities.
  • 75+ SUNY Broome faculty, staff, and students volunteered to coordinate sessions, serve as tour guides, and manage logistics. 
  • 40+ of the region’s top employers partnered with SUNY Broome to facilitate activities. 
  • Industry sponsors: M&T Bank, Guthrie Lourdes, LaBella, The Raymond Corporation, Buckingham Manufacturing, Mirabito Energy Products, and the IBEW LU-325

To learn more about SPARK or other opportunities for middle and high school students to engage with SUNY Broome, contact Brittney Richardson, Enrollment Management Coordinator, at richardsonbn@sunybroome.edu.

Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

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