[CharterSchools] Operation Spark Awarded National Accreditation by The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

CONTACT PERSON: Heather Harper (504) 289-0499 or hharper at h2nola.net

OPERATION SPARK AWARDED NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BY THE COMMISSION OF THE COUNCIL ON OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION (COE)Atlanta- The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) has granted accreditation to Operation Spark, a New Orleans-based nonprofit that provides training in software development for youth and adults throughout Louisiana. Announcement of the action was made by Dr. Jeff Sisk, Commission Chair, following the March Commission Meeting of the Council on Occupational Education.
The award of accreditation status is based on an evaluation to demonstrate that the institution meets not only the standards of quality of the Commission but also the needs of students, the community, and employers. The Commission's evaluation process includes an extensive self-study by the institution and an intensive review by a visiting team of professional educators representing the Commission's member institutions from other states.
"Operation Spark is dedicated to changing lives by providing opportunities through skills training and job placement in high-wage tech careers," said Operation Spark CEO John Fraboni. "Our goal has always been to improve career options and quality of life in our community through our expert educators, employer network, resources, and rigorous standards. We are proud that the hard work of our students, staff, and team has been recognized through this accreditation by the COE. We thank them for their support and look forward to our continuing partnership." 
Operation Spark became a candidate for accreditation in June 2021, completed its substantial self-study in September 2022, and underwent a site visit the following November. Dr. Sylvia Jackson, Assistant Superintendent of Gadsden County Public Schools in Florida, was the visiting team chairperson.
The Council on Occupational Education, based in Atlanta, Georgia, offers quality assurance services to postsecondary technical education providers nationwide. Organized as a nonprofit corporation, the mission of the Council is to assure quality and integrity in career and technical education. Services offered include institutional accreditation (recognized by the U.S. Department of Education), program quality reviews for states and technical education providers, and informational services. Most of the Council's work is carried out by qualified professional volunteers who are experts in technical education.
Institutional membership in the Council is voluntary but can be achieved only by becoming accredited. The Council's current membership makes it unique. Members include postsecondary public technical institutes, specialized military and national defense schools, Job Corps Centers, private career schools, nonprofit technical education providers, corporate and industry education units, federal agency institutions, registered apprenticeships schools, and national ERISA training institutes. No other agency accredits and aids the diversity of organizations served by the Council. Currently, there are 521 institutional members across the United States, with 27 located in Louisiana. 
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Founded in 2014, Operation Spark is a nonprofit software training center on a mission to provide opportunities for upward mobility through skills training and job placement in high-wage tech careers. Our learning model circumvents the high cost and lengthy time associated with higher education, getting people into the workforce much faster. It's workforce development 2.0. Operation Spark is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, a U.S. Department of Education nationally recognized accrediting agency. For more information, visit OperationSpark.org

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