S.P.A.R.K. - Students Paving a Road to Knowledge
Spark Program Paused Over Compliance And Funding Concerns
Mississippi State University has offered a leadership conference designed to help rising seniors lay the foundation for their future, called SPARK (Students Paving A Road to Knowledge).
The program was established by MSU Enrollment Services. SPARK introduced students to necessary life skills, the process of college admissions, and financial aid opportunities.
Due to a combination of a lack of clarity regarding evolving compliance requirements related to recent federal directives, changes to state law, and future funding from state and federal sources, the program has been paused and will not occur this summer.
“The university has decided to leverage the talented students that were signed up to work at the 2025 SPARK Conference as a working focus group to reimagine the program for next year,” said Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services John Dickerson. “Joining with university administrators and key staff, the students will help us envision a new, more relevant program. The students will receive the compensation they would have received working the conference.”
MSU plans to continue our efforts to connect prospective students with meaningful career and higher education information through innovative programs that comply with all new federal and state requirements.
Mission
To ignite a SPARK that propels students to endless possibilities for their future. Mississippi State presents an expansive leadership conference designed to assist rising seniors in laying the foundation for their future. Our goal is to introduce students to numerous avenues for life after high school while also serving as a vessel for self-exploration, self-discovery, growth and development for each conference attendee.
