Scholars Promoting and Revitalizing Care (SPARC)

SPARC, or Scholars Promoting and Revitalizing Care, was founded in 2016 to bring more awareness to the mental health issues faced by college students today and to advocate for greater wellness and self-care amongst students in Scholars and at the University of Maryland (UMD).

Through campus advocacy efforts, social media content, in-person wellness events and more, we emphasize the primary importance of mental health in ensuring student success.

How to Get Involved

SPARC, which is open to all UMD students, is currently recruiting members. Contact umdsparc@gmail.com.

Results

Mental Health Open Mic Nights. SPARC has hosted multiple such events in the Stamp Student Union and the Cambridge Community Center, with the aim of de-stigmatizing mental health. Students shared personal stories, music, poetry, art and journal entries about their mental health journeys in a safe and supportive environment with their peers. 

Mental Health First Aid training. SPARC partnered with the Department of Resident Life to pilot a Mental Health First Aid program. SPARC contributed part of its winnings from the 2018 Do Good Challenge to fund training for  the Department of Resident Life's north campus case manager, and then extend training to 50 resident assistants on campus.

Heart of the Audience Award, 2018 Do Good Challenge. SPARC placed second in the 2018 Do Good Challenge and captured the Heart of the Audience Award earning $5,000 in prize money.

#30DaysTooLate. The #30DaysTooLate advocacy campaign launched in early 2018 with the goal of increasing accessibility to mental health resources for UMD students. The campaign helped generate momentum for UMD's Counseling Center to add five new positions to meet students' mental health needs. 

Campus Mental Health Resources

• UMD Help Center, 301-314- HELP
• UMD Counseling Center, 301-314-7651
• Behavioral Health Services at Health Center, 301-314-8106
• LGBT Equity Center, 301-405-8720

Student Coordinators

The SPARC leadership team can be reached at umdsparc@gmail.com.