SPARK—Scholars Promoting Access, Representation, and Knowledge
SPARK provides a welcoming and safe space for students who don’t always feel reflected or supported on campus or have faced or experienced social, economic, and historical challenges. The mission of the group is to bring doctoral and MFA students together and promote a sense of community through resource and information sharing and access to mentorship and networks that positively impact educational and career outcomes. The group also serves to increase access to critical services based on unique identities or specific needs. Finally, the SPARK Affinity Group names and addresses systemic issues that hinder the likelihood of educational success of Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic, Indigenous, Biracial, Multiracial, Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, African students as well as working students with families, military and veteran students, students with disabilities, and first-generation students. This list is not exhaustive. If you face or have experienced marginalization, this group welcomes you!
To join SPARK meetings or its listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera. They will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire).
The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.