This June, the Capital Area STEM Network (CASN) Center hosted its third annual SPARK Your Summer program. This initiative is designed to equip single mothers with hands-on skills that foster self-sufficiency and promote career readiness. Held in partnership with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library (EBRPL) and the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), SPARK offers participants a chance to explore foundational skills in automotive care, electrical work, HVAC, and hand tool safety. The program expanded this year, offering sessions at two EBRPL locations on two different weekends. The program emphasizes building confidence, creating community, and sparking new possibilities for the future.
Each session was led by experienced CTEC instructors who broke down technical skills into approachable, practical lessons. Participants not only learned by doing, but also had the chance to ask questions in a judgment-free space, try tools they’d never held before, and realize that they are more capable than they may have believed.
Touched by SPARK’s mission, Scott Parker, owner of Rhino Electric, volunteered his time and expertise to guide participants through the basics of electrical safety and home repair. Beyond teaching, he also donated professional-grade tools, which were raffled off as prizes, offering not just knowledge but the resources needed to continue learning and building at home. “People like Scott help make our program special,” said the CASN program manager. “His generosity and passion for the community truly energized the room.”
For many attendees, this was their first experience with trades-based training, but certainly not their last. SPARK Your Summer planted the seeds for future certifications, careers in high-demand industries, and even entrepreneurial goals. The program’s success lies not only in its skill-building focus but also in its design: supportive, accessible, and responsive to real community needs. From childcare accommodations to access to resources beyond the workshop, SPARK ensures no barrier is too big to break through. By the end of the sessions, participants left with more than just soft skills; they gained a renewed sense of confidence and a belief in their ability to tackle challenges and create new opportunities.
The EBRPL Carver Branch received such positive feedback from participants that the expansion of the program is being developed.
