Spark the Journey has worked with hundreds of young adults from low-income communities as they successfully chart paths to high school graduation, college completion, and career success. Beginning in eleventh grade and continuing through college, Spark provides a continuum of one-on-one mentoring, academic support, career preparation, and workforce development. It also delivers sustained wraparound support to students at Northern Virginia Community College and mentoring for young adults in workforce preparation programs through its partner, Year Up United. This intensive, long-term approach changes lives: Spark participants graduate from college at triple the rate of similarly situated peers and consistently achieve higher internship completion rates than those without a mentor. Spark the Journey advances greater, lasting economic mobility for every young person, regardless of zip code, educational background, or race.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 6

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)

Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students

Schools They Work In: We partner with seven public and public charter high schools in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.

Awards & Recognition

Despite its relatively small size, Spark the Journey has earned substantial recognition for its quality programming and impressive outcomes over the last 30 years.

In 2005, the Washingtonian magazine named Spark one of the top 40 nonprofit organizations in the city making a difference for young people.

In 2006, 2010, and 2014 Spur Local recommended Spark to its readers as one of the 10 best education charities in the area.

In 2011, Spark received Honorable Mention for The Center for Nonprofit Advancement's Board Leadership Award.

In 2024, Spark was awarded a $2MM gift from Yield Giving as a testament to its impact on the lives of its mentees.

Press

Budget (FY2026)

  • The current budget for Spark the Journey is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

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