MMAC’S “BE THE SPARK” PROGRAM

February 26th, 2019

MMAC’S “Be the Spark” Program

Location: River Run Headquarters

RIVER RUN PARTICIPATES IN MMAC’S “BE THE SPARK” PROGRAM 3RD YEAR IN A ROW

River Run, a managed IT service provider, will host its third “Be the Spark” program for 7thgrade students from Morse Middle School for the Gifted and Talented on February 26th, 2019 at their company headquarters in Glendale.  The goal is to expose students to attainable educational paths and positions within the IT field.  #COSBEspark

Student participants will be split into three groups, and rotated through sales, technology and other departments throughout the company.  “The kids will learn about different educational and professional paths they can take in the IT field,” says Stephanie Menge, Human Resources Officer.  “We host 7th grade students from a different MPS school each year,” she adds.  A lot of public schools don’t have the funding or exposure to technology, other than a Chrome book or cell phone.  “Once the kids connect to a network, and learn how big it is, they see the numerous opportunities and areas they can get into.  We often take them into our tech bay and teach them how to rebuild a computer.  If we can spark even just one kid’s interest, that is wonderful,” states Menge. 

A lot of kids want to get into IT and learn the professional route is staying in school and working hard.  They learn how much money they can make and what they need to do educationally to get there.  Most only need a two-year technical college to start.  They don’t need a master’s degree to be a tech. 

Part of River Run’s reason for being is to help the community achieve meaningful results.  This program is a community advantage and it gets kids interested in IT.  Kids are encouraged to come back and intern or apply for jobs at River Run.  River Run has participated in the “Be the Spark” program three years in a row and they participate in a community event every quarter. 

 

To learn more about the program read this article