About SPARKS Book Club
A youth-led program built on the belief that every student deserves a safe space to read, grow, and feel seen.
Student-Led From Day One
In 2020, sisters Ariel Pollard and Becca Pollard saw what was happening in the Montgomery County school system — kids were losing routine, community, and the joy of learning together. Working with Barbara Friedlander, they built SPARKS from the ground up.
They launched SPARKS as a virtual safe haven — a place where students could come together over books, laugh, ask questions, and feel like themselves again. No grades, no pressure. Just reading, STEM, and community.
Now in its sixth year, SPARKS has grown from a handful of students on a video call into a structured enrichment program that combines literacy with hands-on STEM activities — still student-directed, still virtual, still showing up every month.
Who Makes SPARKS Run
Student leadership powered by experienced educators — that's the SPARKS model.
Ariel Pollard
Co-Founder & Book Club LeadRuns the book club — designs the curriculum, selects books and activities, organizes materials and mailings, and facilitates every session. The heart of SPARKS.
Becca Pollard
Co-Founder & Co-DirectorLegal and administrative contact; oversees compliance, insurance, budget approvals, and all formal agreements. Co-facilitates sessions.
Naomi Pollard, Ph.D.
Co-DirectorOversees program strategy and organizational development alongside Becca. Co-facilitates sessions.
Megan Murphy, Ed.D.
Curriculum & ComplianceLeads curriculum development and session quality; mentors facilitators; ensures compliance with educational standards; co-facilitates.
Barbara Friedlander, MA
Operations & SafetyManages volunteer onboarding, safety protocols, and program documentation. Ensures every session runs smoothly and safely.
Our Values
Community
Books are a bridge. We use stories to spark conversations that build genuine connections, trust, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond each monthly session.
Empowerment
Every student who joins SPARKS is smart, capable, and worthy. We create space for their voices, ideas, and creativity — and we tell them so, every single session.
Curiosity
Strong literacy and early STEM engagement open every door. Our activities help students build confidence with both books and science, and love learning for life.
Our Nonprofit Status
A Registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
SPARKS Book Club is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your support helps us continue providing books, STEM activities, and community to every student we serve.
Learn About DonatingGet in Touch
Questions about the program, partnerships, or volunteering? We'd love to hear from you.
Email Us