SPARK Program Schedule
Explore what you'll learn and work on throughout the 13-week SPARK experience!
Week 1
SPARK Virtual Kick-off
November 6, 2026
Week 2
Building Relationships & Research Interests
Week of November 9–14, 2026
Week 3
Components of a Strong Research Question & Drafting Research Question
Week of November 16–21, 2026
Thanksgiving Break
Week 4
Final Research Question & Introduction to Research Methods Training
Week of November 30–December 5, 2026
Winter Break
Week 5
Reengage with Project & Finalize Research Methods
Week of January 25–30, 2027
Week 6
Data Collection Begins
Week of February 1–6, 2027
Week 7
Data Collection Continues
Week of February 8–12, 2027
NRHS Mid-Winter Recess
Week 8
Data Analysis Training
Week of February 22–27, 2027
Week 9
Data Analysis Continues
Week of March 1–6, 2027
Week 10
Findings Training
Week of March 8–13, 2027
Week 11
Findings Continue & Project Conclusions
Week of March 15–20, 2027
Week 12
Research Poster Workshop
Week of March 22–27, 2027
Cornell Spring Break
Week 13
Poster Feedback & Final Preparation Check-In
Week of April 5–9, 2027
Final Event · In Person
SPARK Research Symposium
Saturday, April 10, 2027
Location TBD · Thiells, New York
*Schedule is tentative and subject to change. Weekly mentor meetings will take place virtually.