Our Mission:
Empower.
We aim to give scientists of color the tools to become innovators in the cognitive sciences.
Our Mission
The goal of the SPARK Society is to create networks and promote the professional development of historically excluded scholars of African American/Black, Latina/o/e American, and Native American heritage in Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science.
We achieve this goal by:
- Providing opportunities and information for historically excluded undergraduates;
- Providing recruitment and retention support for historically excluded scholars;
- Providing mentorship support across all ranks; and
- Educating the broader community about recruitment and retention of historically excluded scholars.
1
By fostering
an environment that welcomes and nurtures junior scholars of color.
2
by contributing
to the professional development of scholars throughout their career.
3
by creating
a network that will provide contacts and connections to other scholars of color in Cognitive Science.
4
by implementing
an innovative model of mentorship whereby faculty members of the society will invite and mentor students who attend institutions located in the vicinity of conference locations.
Our Roots
The SPARK Society was founded by Duane G. Watson (Vanderbilt University), Jean E. Fox Tree (UC Santa Cruz), Alejandro Lleras (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), and Ayanna K. Thomas (Tufts University) in 2017. The mission of SPARK is to increase the numbers of Black/African Americans, Latinx, and Native Americans in cognitive psychology, cognitive science, linguistics, and cognitive neuroscience. Our mission is to create a national network for undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty.
“
On Diversity
Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.
Malcolm Forbes
Get Involved
Get involved with the SPARK Society by becoming a mentor, advertising your department, or attending one of our annual meetings!
Job and fellowship postings
Click here for the latest opportunities for faculty and scholars alike
Volunteer
Click here to find out about ways to get involved in the community