LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 S.P.A.R.K. Program—Students Partnering with Academics in Research and Knowledge—an initiative designed to ignite curiosity, expand skills, and connect undergraduates directly with faculty on active research projects.
S.P.A.R.K. offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to bridge classroom learning with hands-on experience. Participants will collaborate with CoSW faculty in areas such as policy analysis, community engagement, and social impact research—all while gaining practical skills that employers and graduate programs value.
“S.P.A.R.K. was created to help students engage in and contribute to research that truly matters,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean for Faculty Advancement and program coordinator. “Whether students plan to pursue graduate school or enter the workforce, these projects help them build confidence, research knowledge and skills, and community.”
Students accepted into S.P.A.R.K. will commit approximately five hours per week to their research project. Each participant will meet regularly with their faculty mentor, attend an orientation, and complete a Forager One profile to document progress and connect within the UK research network.
The program is open to Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) and Bachelor of Arts or Science in Criminal Justice (BA/BSCJ) students, both on-campus and online. Preference will be given to juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Through S.P.A.R.K., students will:
- Work side-by-side with CoSW faculty on active research.
- Strengthen critical thinking, data analysis, and professional writing skills.
- Develop mentorship and networking relationships that last beyond graduation.
- Connect their studies to real-world issues that shape communities.
“This program helps students see how research translates into real-world solutions,” Duron added. “It’s about sparking both professional growth and personal purpose.”
Prospective applicants are invited to join a virtual information session on October 8 from 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (EST) to meet faculty and learn about available projects.
Apply Now
Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort are open until October 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Interested students can learn more and apply online: Apply Here.