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SPARK Boston

Empowering 20 to 35 year olds to become Boston’s future civic leaders.

SPARK Boston is where young adults connect, lead and create change by highlighting their vision for their communities and collaborating closer with City Hall leaders. 

Through the SPARK Council, residents between the ages of 20 to 35 serve as ambassadors, collaborators, and innovators who elevate neighborhood voices and strengthen the connection between City Hall and the communities through active civic engagement. 

The Council fosters a welcoming, respectful, and productive environment where young adults can share ideas, engage in meaningful dialogue, build relationships, and work to build a City that is more representative of, connected to, and responsive to its younger communities.

About us

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Collaborators

SPARK Boston Council members collaborate with the City of Boston on issues, programs, and opportunities affecting Boston’s 20 to 35 year-old residents.

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Ambassadors

SPARK Boston Council members serve as ambassadors for the City of Boston’s engagement initiatives with young adults. 

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Innovators

Through creative and innovative approaches, SPARK Boston Council members work together to advance initiatives that deepen young adults’ connection to their community and City Hall.

Program Goals

  1. Connection: Connect young residents to their peers, civic leaders, community organizations, local businesses, and resources across Boston.
  2. Innovation: Create spaces to tap into the energy and experiences of the Millennial and Gen Z populations to envision Boston’s future.
  3. Empowerment: Uplift the next generation of civic leaders and social entrepreneurs in City government. 

Project Highlight

The Resident’s Guide to Civic Life was designed by the 2025-26 SPARK Council to provide residents with simple ways to make a difference in their communities. 

Check it Out!

Engage with SPARK

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We offer many partnership opportunities for groups and organizations wanting to collaborate with SPARK Boston. Email us at sparkboston@boston.gov to get the conversation started!

Upcoming events

Upcoming events

Application FAQs

FAQs

We're looking for Bostonians aged 20 to 35 of all backgrounds. Whether you were born and raised here or just arrived a few months ago, if you are passionate about Boston, we are passionate about getting to know you. Our council has included artists, legislative aides, parents, students, tech entrepreneurs, small business owners, neighborhood leaders, non-profit employees, consultants, educators, and more. No matter where you are in your personal and civic journey, we want to see your application.

Yes, SPARK Council applicants must be Boston residents, but you are welcome to attend and collaborate on our events if you work in or live near the city. We should also note we love meeting new folks to be speakers, collaborators, and community partners! If you have an upcoming event or initiative you are seeking a community partner, there might be a great fit to connect. Reach out to us if you’re interested in chatting further about how to get involved as a non-resident.

During their year-long council term, each Council member is required to attend our regular Council meeting on the first (or sometimes second) Monday of every month; one community meeting; and at least one SPARK event or small group meeting. You may also meet with other Council members occasionally for group projects. The Council term typically begins in September and ends in August.

Applications are currently closed, but please fill out our interest form to be notified when they re-open.

After the selection committee reviews your application, you will be notified and informed if you have moved on to the group interview stage or not. Group interviews will take place in-person in late July, and final decisions are typically released in mid-August. The cycle begins in September.

Sign up for your neighborhood's newsletter here to hear about events and programming happening near you!

We would love to talk! Please email us at sparkboston@boston.gov.

Were you a member of Onein3 or SPARK Boston? We want to connect! OYEA is building our network of SPARK alumni so that we can share news, engagement opportunities, and social events with all of you. Click below to join the community!

re-Connect with the council!

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