City of Philadelphia Launches SPARK Innovation Academy to Empower Nonprofits with Essential Digital Skills

Philadelphia has launched the SPARK Innovation Academy, aimed at enhancing digital skills among nonprofit professionals. This fully city-sponsored initiative, in partnership with Jefferson University, will offer nine weeks of training focused on practical innovation tools. Participants will learn about various digital tools, including AI and data visualization, which are essential for modern organizational operations. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker highlighted the critical role of nonprofits in the city, stating that empowering them with stronger digital capacity strengthens the community.

The Office of Innovation and Technology will provide 20 full-ride scholarships for selected nonprofit professionals, enabling them to embrace technology effectively. Applications are open until November 14, with courses scheduled to begin on January 13, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend a virtual information session to gain insights into the program. This initiative represents a significant investment in Philadelphia's nonprofit sector, aiming to enhance their impact on local communities.