The Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota and Search Institute collaborated to create new tools and training for mentors on becoming spark champions.  To learn more about scheduling an on-site, customized training for your program's mentors, visit the Become a Spark Champion workshop page.

What is a Spark?

A spark is something that gives a person's life meaning and purpose, and discovering and nurturing teenagers' sparks helps them succeed. 

Watch this video to hear from young people about why sparks are important:

Research shows that when young people know their spark and have adults who support their spark, they are more likely to:

• Have a sense of purpose
• Be socially competent and physically healthy
• Volunteer to help others
• Have better attendance and higher grades in school

• Experience depression
• Engage in acts of violence toward others

What is a Mentor's Role in Building Sparks?

Only 62% of teenagers can clearly name their own spark, and only 37% of teenagers can identify adults who know and support their spark.  Mentors can play an important role in increasing these numbers.  All young people should have an adult who sees their spark, affirms that spark and helps them explore their spark.

As spark champions, mentors can:

• Affirm the spark
• Encourage its expression
• Model the spark
• Provide opportunities to express it
• Run interference and help eliminate obstacles
• Teach or mentor
• Show up (at recitals, games, performances, play, reading, contests)

Sparks Resources

The following resources are free for you to download and use with the youth you know. 

As you support young people and their sparks, keep these tips in mind:

• Young people need multiple champions - some to cheer, some to teach
• Expect “ups and downs” in the conversations
• A skill is not automatically a spark
• Our spark may not be our work
• Sparks can change over time

These resources were developed through the generous support of the Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation.