The Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation has awarded Ottumwa Schools with a grant for continued support of their SparkTank initiative. An award of $108,000 will provide ongoing support to the program.
The district launched SparkTank in the fall of 2018 to provide a unique learning opportunity for students. SparkTank is an innovative program where students engage in authentic learning experiences while learning professional and technical skills as they complete real-world projects. The program currently offers six career strands, including Communications and Technology; Engineering and Design; Bulldog Manufacturing, Bulldog Construction, SparkTank Ignite; and School-To-Work.
Students work with a variety of local business partners on real projects. Past projects include: palm tree decorations for the Ottumwa Symphony Ball committee; mail room re-design at John Deere Ottumwa Works; web page design for Wapello County Emergency Management, etc.
"This Legacy funding will help grow opportunities for students beyond high school, allowing students of Ottumwa to explore career and college connections in truly unique ways," said Jeff Kirby, Director of Innovative Programs. "Students like Corbin Stevens, who has a passion for video production, is now attending Los Angeles Film School, chasing his dream."
"We have been very fortunate to have the support of the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation to help us start SparkTank," said Superintendent Mike McGrory. "Funds will continue to allow the district to grow this important initiative into something that both the district and community can be extremely proud of."