ABOUT – Spark College Prep

Philosophy of Practice

What lights you up? Why? How will you light up the world with your gifts and talents? I believe that engaging young people with these questions is critical to helping them find meaning and purpose in their lives.

I refer to the nexus between what students love doing and the impact they can have on their communities doing things they enjoy as their Spark.

Once identified and activated, a student’s Spark establishes the foundation not only for best-fit college acceptance but also for success in life. I founded Spark College Prep because of my commitment to help young people identify and accomplish their college and career goals.

Having gone through the college admissions process with my son I fully appreciate how overwhelming the application process can be.

However, when students have a clear sense of what lights them up and how this aligns with their college and career goals, the process becomes more meaningful for them.

I enjoy facilitating students on a journey of self-discovery that enables them to assess their strengths, their unique passions, and aspirations. Working with students in personalized sessions, I help them develop leadership projects that reflect their Spark and empower them to make a positive impact on their communities.

This approach enables students to craft compelling applications that make them stand out in the admissions process and thrive at their chosen colleges. It also enables them to find meaning and fulfillment in their future careers and have improved satisfaction in life.

Dr. Tricia Francis

Dr. Tricia Francis is an experienced educator with an abiding commitment to help guide youth onto the path of a productive and fulfilling life.

Dr. Francis’ college admissions and student career coaching practice empowers adolescents to explore and articulate their sense of purpose, helping them gain genuine motivation and confidence for successful college and career experiences. Through her signature coaching program Inward Reach Outward Quest™ (IROQ), Dr. Francis guides young people to develop authentic career journeys that unlock their unique gifts and strengths, ignite their spark and empower them to lead fulfilling, impactful lives, while enhancing their chances of finding purposeful college and career pathways.

Dr. Francis has held various roles as an educator, including education researcher, literacy consultant, curriculum developer, middle school teacher with the National Teaching Service Initiative, Teach For America, high school teacher, assistant school administrator, and professional development coach for teachers.

A graduate of CUNY Brooklyn College’s Scholars Program, Dr. Francis went on to earn a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University and a Doctoral degree in Education also from Columbia University.