The Foundation works in the field of education in Santiago Atitlán, a village in the highlands of Guatemala with an indigenous Mayan population.
On a visit to Santiago, the Sparks encountered a community school in dire straits. This school was part of an educational system that provided little to no opportunities for its students, resulting in an inability to speak Spanish, widespread illiteracy, and a lifetime consigned to manual labor and poverty. The existing facilities at this time were makeshift and unsanitary.
The supplies were few and poorly stored. The children suffered from a variety of health issues, from malnutrition to parasites to more serious undiagnosed conditions.
Maria Susana Poron Petzey
I am the first daughter in my family and with great pride, a year ago I graduated from high school. This year I will study school administration at the university with the help of The Sparks Foundation. I have been able to achieve many of my goals thanks to The Sparks Foundation.
Baltazar Daniel Sapalú Lacán
I live in Santiago Atitlán and I am seventeen years old. I am grateful for the support I have received from The Sparks Foundation.
I have a great future ahead of me.
The foundation began as an attempt to address some of these problems.
Partnering with communities
to create opportunity
The Sparks Foundation is a 501c3 operating foundation (TIN/EIN 26-3473292) founded in 2008 by Liz and Dave Sparks of Houston, TX.