North Carolina's New Tech Hub Bridges High School to High-Paying Careers

GREENSBORO, N.C. – February 17, 2026 – A groundbreaking initiative launched today at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) is set to redefine the path from high school to high-tech careers for students in North Carolina. In a landmark collaboration, UNCG, Guilford County Schools (GCS), and the nonprofit SparkNC have opened the state's first SparkHub, a learning environment designed to serve as a direct bridge between K-12 classrooms, higher education, and the global technology workforce.

Located directly on the UNCG campus, the SparkHub provides an unprecedented level of integration, allowing high school students to immerse themselves in a university setting while gaining skills for the most in-demand sectors of the economy. This initiative represents a strategic effort to build a homegrown talent pipeline and ensure North Carolina's students are prepared to lead in a digital future.

A New Blueprint for Tech Education

The partnership unites three powerful forces in North Carolina's education landscape. UNCG, a public research university ranked number one in the state for social mobility, provides the institutional and intellectual backbone. Guilford County Schools, the state's third-largest district, connects nearly 67,000 students to the opportunity. SparkNC, an organization backed by the North Carolina General Assembly, provides the innovative, industry-aligned educational model.

"As a public research university, UNCG is committed to building pathways that expand access and drive economic mobility," said Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. "This partnership demonstrates how higher education, K-12 schools and industry can work together to create meaningful opportunities for students across our state."

The model aims to dismantle traditional silos. Instead of waiting until after graduation, GCS students can now access cutting-edge resources and mentorship on a college campus, gaining a tangible sense of their future potential. The launch is also supported by corporate partners, including Live Oak Bank, signaling a shared private-public commitment to expanding tech education.

"This partnership is about more than just teaching code — it's about creating opportunity, confidence, and belonging," said SparkNC President Lynn Moody. "By opening a SparkHub on the UNCG campus, we are breaking down barriers between high school and higher education and showing students where their potential paths can lead."

Forging Skills for the Future Economy

At the core of the SparkHub is a curriculum designed not just by educators, but by the very companies defining the future of technology. Global leaders including Apple, IBM, Epic Games, Lenovo, TEKsystems, and Cisco have collaborated on the learning content, ensuring it is relevant, practical, and aligned with real-world industry needs.

Students will engage in hands-on, project-based learning in some of today's fastest-growing fields:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
• Cybersecurity
• Software development
• UX/UI design
• Data analytics
• Game design and esports

Perhaps most revolutionary is the pathway to academic credit. The SparkHub moves beyond fixed schedules and seat-time requirements, allowing students to progress through modular learning experiences at their own pace. By completing six of these modules and building a professional portfolio of their work, students can earn a high school computer science credit from GCS. This competency-based approach grants students greater autonomy over their education while directly linking academic achievement to tangible, career-ready skills.

Beyond the Classroom: Mentorship and Real-World Connections

The SparkHub's physical location within the UNCG ecosystem is one of its most significant advantages. Students will have access to mentorship from university faculty and cutting-edge research through facilities like ARCADE (Applied Research in Computer Arts, Digitization and Esports). This direct connection to higher-level academic and research environments provides a level of exposure rarely available to high school students.

The initiative also functions as a living classroom for UNCG's own students, particularly those in education programs. University students will support the SparkHub's programming, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in next-generation teaching methods and innovative learning environments, preparing them to be leaders in the future of education.

This model of deep engagement extends to the corporate world. The broader SparkNC network, of which the UNCG Hub is a part, facilitates interactions where industry professionals visit labs to teach skills, share their career journeys, and provide direct feedback on student projects. This integration helps students build not only a portfolio of work but also a professional network long before they enter the job market.

Scaling a Statewide Solution

The UNCG SparkHub is a flagship, but it is not an island. It is a key node in SparkNC's rapidly expanding inter-district network, which already includes 18 labs across 17 school districts. Since its inception, the program has engaged over 2,400 students across North Carolina, with data showing significant impact. Among participants who initially reported little to no interest in a tech career, 62% showed increased interest after their SparkNC experience.

This initiative directly supports the mission of Guilford County Schools and its "Guilford Guarantee," which promises students will graduate with college credits, industry credentials, or meaningful workplace experience. By providing a clear, structured path to all three, the SparkHub makes that promise a tangible reality for thousands of students.

By connecting public education, higher education, and private industry, the SparkHub at UNCG is more than just a new program; it is a strategic investment in North Carolina's economic future. It aims to close the persistent gap between education and workforce demands, creating a replicable model for developing the skilled, homegrown talent needed to keep the state competitive for decades to come.