Spark Learning Community
The Spark Learning Community Spark is for students who want to understand the world around them and their role in improving it.
In Spark, you’ll explore the Wisconsin Idea, the belief that what you learn at UW-Madison should benefit communities across Wisconsin and beyond. Through conversations with faculty, field experiences, and hands-on learning, you’ll discover how people from different disciplines work together to tackle real-world challenges.
Spark is designed for students of all majors and backgrounds, whether you’re interested in science, engineering, social sciences, business, the arts, or still exploring your path. Together, we build a shared understanding of Wisconsin’s communities, histories, and challenges, and think about how we can contribute.
Sponsor: College of Letters and Science | Open to: all majors
Additional Fee: $250 (exception request form)
Email: spark@housing.wisc.edu | Instagram: @SparkLearningCommunity
How to Join
All items must be completed by your due date (May 1 for most admitted students). You can be assigned to any learning/theme community even if you did not preference it.
- Sign your University Residence Halls contract and submit your advance payment in My UW Housing.
- Rank the Spark Learning Community first when you submit your hall preferences in My UW Housing.
- Prioritize learning communities over residence halls when you submit your hall preferences in My UW Housing.
- Indicate if you want a random or preferred roommate in My UW Housing, and create/join a roommate group if you have a preferred roommate(s). Make sure all preferred roommates have matching preferences.
Seminar
Spark Seminar
Inter LS 158 | 1-credit
The Spark Seminar is an interdisciplinary course designed to introduce students to the rich history, diverse perspectives, and community engagement principles that define the Wisconsin Idea. Through a series of modules including faculty presentations, hands-on activities, and small group discussion, students will explore the metaphor of building and sustaining a fire, drawing parallels to their academic and personal journeys at the University of Wisconsin. By the end of the course, students will understand the historical and cultural context of the university, recognize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, develop skills in research and community engagement, and propose Wisconsin Idea projects that leverage their unique strengths and interests. Course emphasis is on building community for new students while leveraging multiple viewpoints and strategies to support creative problem-solving.
Programming
What You’ll Gain from Spark
- Learn how interdisciplinary work and community partnerships address real-world challenges like housing, sustainability, public health, and equity
- In Spark, “research” means learning how knowledge is created and applied beyond the classroom — you’ll see how different fields approach problems and how research connects to real communities
- Explore how your major and interests connect to community-engaged work, internships, and research opportunities
- Be part of a supportive community that helps you build friendships and find your place on campus
Events & Activities
Examples of typical Spark activities include:
- Fall kickoff lunch
- Field trip to Devil’s Lake State Park (Tee Wakącąk)
- Sky lantern celebration
- Spark & s’mores social bonfire
- Field trips to key local sites (Wisconsin State Capitol, Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin’s New History Center coming 2027)
- Field trips to Milwaukee and the Menominee Reservation
- Alumni networking nights
- Public policy workshops
- Presentations by graduate students working on their dissertations
- Small group excursions with Spark Peer Mentors
- Volunteer days
- Community socials