SPARK LA INSPIRES FUTURE ENGINEERS FOR A DECADE
HNTB Corporation proudly celebrates 10 years of partnership with the L.A. Board of Public Works through the SPARK LA Program, a transformative STEM education partnership that’s inspired countless students to pursue careers in engineering, architecture, and urban planning.
Launched in 2016 at the Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA), the first all-girls LAUSD STEM school, SPARK was founded to bridge the gender & diversity gaps in the infrastructure industry. Over the past decade, the program evolved from a pilot initiative into a premier workforce development model. A major milestone in this journey was the program’s strategic expansion beyond GALA, welcoming Schurr High School in 2022 & Lennox Mathematics, Science & Technology Academy in 2023.
“When we brought Measure M to the people of L.A. County, I dreamt of a county that was on the move again. Voters, through great sponsors like HNTB, responded yes,” said former Mayor Eric Garcetti, who helped inaugurate the program during his tenure. “We created SPARK LA to ensure that those engineers, architects, designers, & folks who could build that future were growing up right here in LA. Thanks to Measure M voters & SPARK for a decade of making sure the dreamers of LA are from LA.”
The curriculum immerses students in the world of infrastructure through multi-week interactive modules. Students work alongside industry experts to tackle real-world challenges, such as LAX terminal design & complex roadway engineering. The experience culminates with students presenting their experience to the Board of Public Works at Los Angeles City Hall.
“HNTB is committed to delivering infrastructure that connects communities while also supporting the next generation of professionals who will carry that work forward,” said Yoga Chandran, PhD, P.E., G.E., HNTB Los Angeles office leader & senior vice president. “SPARK has allowed us to mentor students who are now entering the workforce. We remain deeply committed to expanding this initiative, ensuring a diverse pipeline of professionals continues to shape a more inclusive region for generations to come.”
