Spark Innovation OKC
How We Sparked Change
SPARK Innovation OKC, a project funded by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Population Affairs, was created and supported by a network of trained, connected partner organizations and individuals in Oklahoma County.
The goal was to develop innovative, equitable, and sustainable strategies that empower caregivers to increase protective factors, ultimately promoting adolescent optimal health and leading to a reduction in STIs and teen pregnancy.
Through SPARK Innovation OKC, we helped create a culture where it is the norm for caregivers to have open and honest conversations about sexual health with the youth in their lives.
SPARK Innovation OKC was made possible by Grant Number 1 TP2AH000067-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs.
The Spark Network
This project was led by three key groups in the SPARK Network, a partnership of individuals and organizations with diverse backgrounds, experience, and expertise.
The Network Core
The Network Core provided overall management and consisted of honestly, two multidisciplinary organizations that serve caregivers in our community, and Innovation Coaches.
Lilyfield and Sunbeam Family Services provided critical feedback to ensure projects were medically accurate, trauma-informed, age-appropriate, and user-centered.
Innovation Coaches provided technical assistance and support for Cohorts on aspects of innovation and ensuring user-centered interventions.
Context Expert Advisory Committee
The Committee ensured equity was ingrained through all aspects of the SPARK Network by providing expertise and context to the innovative projects created.
The Innovation Cohorts
The Innovation Cohorts consisted of six organizations that were selected through a competitive application process and were responsible for creating innovative interventions for caregivers in Oklahoma County. As part of the SPARK Network, the Innovation Cohorts participated in intensive human-centered design (HCD) trainings to create their projects.
The 2023 SPARK Innovation Promotional Package
Past Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
The Kirkpatrick Family Fund, founded by John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick in 1989, supports charitable, civic, and cultural causes that impact citizens in central Oklahoma and beyond.
Collaboration Sponsor
The McLaughlin Family Foundation creates opportunities for central Oklahoma’s children and families to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.
Collaboration Sponsor
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma is guided by a simple principle: putting members first. As the state’s only customer-owned health insurer, their mission is to provide Oklahomans with access to affordable, high-quality health care and exceptional service.
A Look at Our Showcases
2022: SPARK Tank
Our biggest showcase yet, this “Shark Tank”-style event was livestreamed from the historic Tower Theatre.
2021: Our First Showcase
Our very first showcase was a powerful event that brought together our first cohort of innovators, dedicated donors, and community members.
So, what's next?
The SPARK project was a huge success, and we’re not stopping there. Our current movement, Forward Together, is our strategic plan to create even greater change for Oklahoma’s youth.
