Thank you for coming to Spark 2013! Please fill out our survey.

If you enjoyed Spark, consider coming to one of our other programs – click the links in the sidebar to learn more. In addition, we're announcing some changes to our short-term programs starting with next academic year: Splash will be for students in grades 9-12, and Spark will be for students in grades 7-8. For more information about why we're making this change, see our page about the change.

Program Vitals for Spark
What: A Saturday in which you can take classes on a variety of subjects.
When: March 16, 2013, from 9 am to 7 pm.
Who: Students in grades 7-12.
Where: On the MIT campus.
Cost: $30 (generous financial aid available)
Courses: The catalog is available here.

Specific Information for this Spark!

You're going to Spark, what's next?

Checking-In

When you arrive at MIT for Spark, you can pay (if applicable), drop off forms, and pick up your schedule at check-in. Starting at 8:00am on Saturday, check-in will be in the DuPont Gymnasium in Building W31. This is the same place morning check-in was in at Splash 2012. If you registered online, you MUST come to DuPont first to check in, even if you plan on changing your schedule.

At 10am on Saturday, check-in will leave DuPont. Beginning at 10:30am Saturday, check-in will be in Lobby 10. Check-in will remain here through the rest of Saturday.

You must bring a copy of the 2013 Spark Waiver, signed by your parents, to Spark.

Financial Logistics

Spark costs $30 for the entire weekend, regardless of the number of classes you take. If you have not yet paid and are not receiving financial aid, you can pay at check-in by cash or check made out to MIT ESP. Online payment by credit card is no longer available.

If you want to buy a t-shirt or meal tickets, you can do so in Lobby 10 during the program. T-shirts will go on sale at 12:30 on Saturday for $10 each. Lunch will be $5. Please note that Spark meals are for students only; students and parents who want to eat together will need to make other arrangements.

Class Changes

You can make changes to your schedule by going to room 4-163. If you want to change any classes, you MUST check in first.

Transportation

We have limited parking available, so we recommend that if you're choosing between driving and public transit, you choose public transit. If you will absolutely need a place to park, our parking information is here.

Meeting Your Parents

If your parents (or anyone else) is picking you up at the end of the day, you should set a meeting place and time in advance. We recommend Lobby 7.

Walk-in Activities

Spark is again offering walk-in activities this year. If you find yourself with nothing to do between classes or want a break from the ordinary lectures, come over to the third floor of W20 and learn something fun! You don’t need to register for walk-ins, just drop by whenever you have some free time for activities like Origami Extravaganza, Quidditch, LED Creativity Lab, and Juggling! Find out more about walk-in activities here.

Parents

There will be a lounge for parents in the Stata Center, building 32, with talks and sample classes spread throughout the day.

Hitchhiker's Guide to Splash

There is more information in the Hitchhiker's Guide, which we also pass out during check-in.

General Information about Spark

Spark is a short program designed to give our students the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects. MIT students and community members teach a variety of classes, from urban orienteering to mathematics to Chinese brush painting and everything in between! Starting February 19th, 2013, you will be able to register for Spark through this website. The registration process will begin with a lottery. For more information on the lottery, click here.

If you have any questions, please check out our FAQs. If that doesn't help, contact us to send us a message or email us at esp-spark@mit.edu. Financial aid is available for all of our programs based on need. You can apply for financial aid when registering for Spark.