By: Joey Tholl

Sparktank, a student-driven initiative at Casper College, connects students with their communities through real-world experiences while making an impact on local nonprofit organizations. 

Sparktank was created at the University of Wyoming in 2018. The initiative’s goal is to raise funds from local businesses and community members and then donate all of the funds to local nonprofits. Students are the driving force of the club, and they participate in real-world learning experiences, ranging from presenting fundraising pitches to creating judging rubrics.

When approached about trying the initiative at CC, Dean of the School of Business and Sparktank Advisor, Rachel Chadderedon noted, “I thought this could be a really cool project to bring to the college and really give our students an opportunity to engage in that philanthropic work that is so critical for our communities to thrive.” 

Sally Belcher with the Ellbogen Foundation, as well as the Casper College Foundation, played a key role in establishing the funding for the first year of Sparktank at CC.  The initiative is finishing its second season at CC this April. The Economics Club originally housed Sparktank, but the initiative is now in its own Social Entrepreneurship Club. Chadderdon emphasized that the club is open to all students, regardless of major.

Last year, Sparktank’s first year at CC, there were no provided directions or rubrics to follow. Current President of the Social Entrepreneurship club at CC, Susan Noah, cited this difficulty. She said that in the first year, the team worked well together but didn’t fully grasp the magnitude and level of detail required to complete their objective. The first year’s team together developed the materials and a general timeline for tasks to be completed. Chadderdon found watching students identify the need for a rubric, as well as the objectives for the rubric, incredible.

This year’s team brought slight experience to the initiative’s second year with two returning student members. The club needed to recruit new members, in addition to fundraising. Noah said she knew the fundraising needed to be completed by January. The club completed the base of the fundraising on schedule, and generous donations rolled in through February. The team started with a base of $15,000 from the Ellbogen Foundation and the Casper College Foundation. Students raised an additional of $25,000 in funds for a total of $40,000 to give away for the 2026 season. Students began the process of gathering contact information for nonprofit organizations, as well as discussing previous application and rubric forms for clarification at the beginning of January 2026. Noah said last year’s experience laid the groundwork for this year’s process.

Applications for nonprofits to apply opened on February 5, and students were notified that both new and previous applicants to apply. Chadderdon clarified that they are focused on funding, “More of those smaller grassroots organizations, that they feel they could make a big impact on.” 

After applications closed, Sparktank students and advisors gathered to watch the video applications from the nonprofit organizations. Videos range from national marketing videos to real people in their communities who are looking to make an impact on others. Students of the Sparktank team scored the videos and the overall application of the nonprofits using the updated rubric and form. Student members of the Sparktank team met privately to discuss the applicants and congratulate the semi-finalists. 

Noah said the next step is her favorite part. Semi-finalists must complete a site visit with a student of the Noah said the next step is her favorite part. Semi-finalists must complete a site visit with a student of the Sparktank team. The site visit not only ensures the legitimacy of the organization but also allows students to connect with the organizations and the people in their communities. 

Noah said, “I think it is the most powerful thing that I think I have ever done before… Until you take the time to learn about a place like that, you might not be aware of what they do and why it’s so important.” 

She noted her specific experience with the Wyoming Foundation for Cancer Care, and her meeting with their staff of 2 doing the same work Jason’s Friends Foundation does, but for adults. She says both foundation members cried when discussing the needs of the people they serve, emphasizing the unserved need and impact on students. Students plan visits with each organization, and each experience is different depending on the needs the organization serves. Some visits feature tours of facilities while others include meeting the people the organization serves. Students follow a guide of questions, clarifying the need and the proposed project for each organization. The Sparktank team will meet to discuss finalists and decide the monetary amounts given to each organization’s proposed project and need. Sparktank finalists will officially be announced on April 10 at the final Sparktank event of the season. While this year’s work may then seem complete, members of the team will need to evaluate this year’s process and complete any preparation for next year. 

Spartank is an incredible opportunity for students to create lasting and meaningful connections with nonprofits that serve the people in their communities. Both Chadderdon and Noah noted the immense amount of dedication and time commitment the project entails for students. Students working on the Sparktank team are regular community college students, some with kids, and most with jobs and full school schedules. They dedicate their time and energy to this initiative in hopes of creating an impact on their community. 

Students aren’t the only ones impacted, as the distributed funds and completed projects benefit community members who utilize the facilities and services of the awarded organizations. Previous Sparktank winning organization, The Self Help Center, offers shelter and support for victims of domestic violence. Their mission is to end the cycle and prevent future cycles of violence. With the donated funds, the Self Help Center was able to create a Healing and Sustainability garden, a space where survivors and their families can bond and relax together. Walt Doney, Community Outreach and Events Coordinator with The Self Help Center, emphasized the impact on those the organization serves and the value of Sparktank via email message.

He wrote, “This space has quickly become something special—a quiet, calming place where survivors of domestic violence and their children can take a breath, slow down, and begin to heal after often long and difficult journeys. This is something we simply could not have created on our own, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity and vision behind the Spark Tank program, the process shared with your students, and the ability to share in dreams realized with those who also realized grants at your final program. What a great gift to share with our community!”

Sparktank created the opportunity for college students to provide support and have an impact on the community.