Beyond the Court and Classroom: How the LA Sparks and Scholarship Prep Are Changing What Community Can Look Like

This spring, the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks and Scholarship Prep launched a first-of-its-kind community partnership, bringing two brand-new programs to Scholarship Prep's South Bay and Orange County campuses. It was the first time either program had been offered at a school anywhere.

Here is how it unfolded.

Sparks Fridays

Every Friday for four weeks, Sparks staff showed up at both campuses with one goal: to help 6th-grade Scholars finish the week on a high note. No grades. No pressure. From fun team-building games to dancing with the official Sparks Crew, every Friday was something to look forward to, all led by Sparks staff who showed up each week ready to meet students where they were.

Jr. Sparks and Tiny Sparks

At South Bay, the partnership went even further. Scholars in 5th through 8th grade took part in Jr. Sparks, an after-school basketball development program designed and led by experienced Sparks youth basketball staff. Over 16 training sessions, Scholars built real skills on the court and the kind of confidence that comes from putting in the work alongside people who take you seriously.

For the youngest Scholars in TK through 4th grade, Sparks staff ran the Tiny Sparks training sessions and a mini-camp focused on the fundamentals: dribbling, ball control, shooting, coordination, movement, balance, and listening skills. For many of them, it was their first time on a real court.

Shared Roots

Community investment has always been central to who the LA Sparks are as a professional women's basketball organization. Scholarship Prep is built around that same commitment. As a tuition-free TK-8 public charter school serving families across Southern California, Scholarship Prep goes well beyond the classroom, providing free meals, counseling, laundry service, food provisions for families to take home, and dedicated support for Scholars experiencing homelessness or navigating the foster care system. Every teacher on campus is trauma-trained.

When the two came together this season, the fit was immediate. They share the same conviction: that young people thrive when they are supported and encouraged.

The partnership continues through upcoming community events, with plans to expand into the Inland Empire and San Diego County.

If you are looking for a school that goes beyond the classroom, Scholarship Prep has five tuition-free TK-8 campuses across Southern California in Oceanside, Riverside, Santa Ana, Upland, and Wilmington.

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