Student-created and student-led, SPARK is an immersive opportunity for leadership development, dialogue, and self-reflection for first-year students at UNC interested in collective impact and positive change.
The SPARK program consists of a retreat at the start of the Fall semester for undergraduate students in their first year at UNC. All interested students must submit an application to be considered to attend the SPARK retreat, as there are a limited number of spots available.
Retreat Dates: Friday September 19th-Sunday September 21st, 2025
Location: Betsy Jeff-Penn 4H Camp, Reidsville, NC
*all lodging, food, and transportation to and from the retreat are covered, making this a free opportunity for students! Attendees are required to be at SPARK for the entire duration of the retreat.
Submitting your application
All applications must be submitted through Heel Life: https://heellife.unc.edu/submitter/form/start/688808
Priority Applications Deadline: August 1st at 8:00AM
What is a “priority application?” If you heard about SPARK over the summer or at Orientation and you know this is the retreat for you, get your application in early! Submitting an application by our priority deadline gives you the opportunity to:
- Meet the SPARK Counselor team, previous SPARK participants, and other incoming SPARK attendees before the retreat
- Connect with staff supporting SPARK
- Contribute to the SPARK retreat playlist
Standard Application Deadline: September 2nd at 8:00AM
You didn’t hear about SPARK until you started classes? No problem! Applications are open through September. There are still plenty of opportunities to meet other attendees and our SPARK Counselor team in advance of the retreat.
Outreach Events
SPARK Kickoff: August 20th (date and time TBD)
Meet SPARK in the Pit: August 22nd and August 29th (11:00am-1:00pm)
Information Sessions:
- Tuesday August 26th at 5:30pm, Carolina Union 3503
- Wednesday August 26th at 6:00pm, Carolina Union 3503
Questions? Email [email protected]
This program is designed to engage any student in dialogue and community building regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We encourage individuals, regardless of gender, gender expression, gender identity, and sex to apply.