A PDF copy available for download can be found by clicking HERE. Email spark@umkc.edu to have a copy mailed to you via the US postal service.

To ensure the safety, the doors to the building we call home are now locked. We will have volunteers at the front door to let you in from about 20 minutes prior to class until about 5 minutes before class starts.

If you arrive during a time when we do not have a volunteer stationed at the door, you must use the video box mounted on a column to the right of the doors to call the SPARK office and get buzzed in.

Scroll down on the video screen, find “SPARK”, and tap the phone icon next to our name. That action will call the SPARK office. When someone answers the phone in our office, they will be able to see and talk to you on their video phone. When they recognize you, you will hear a 5-second tone telling you the right-hand door has been unlocked.

If you have difficulty with the video box and have a cell phone with you, please call the office phone number: 816-235-2870. Someone will walk to the door and let you end.

Don’t miss a single class!  Sign up to receive email notification of when enrollment opens.  Add your USPS address to receive a paper catalog as well.

SPARK generally follows UMKC’s lead regarding inclement weather. If UMKC cancels classes, then SPARK will not hold classes or tours and an attempt will be made to reschedule. If UMKC moves to remote operations, SPARK will hold classes via Zoom only. Attempts to contact class or tour participants via email will be made and a notice added to our website and social media channels.

The hybrid structure of many of our classes allows individual members to choose how to participate in a class so that they are safe and comfortable. We urge members who are concerned about weather or road conditions on a day when classes are held to stay at home and connect via Zoom or wait for the email containing the private YouTube recording link (24 to 48 hours after class is complete).

SPARK is located at 4825 Troost Avenue in room 112, Kansas City, MO 64110. All face to face and Hybrid classes are held at this location unless otherwise noted.

You can mail items to SPARK using the US Postal Service to SPARK, PO Box 300362, Kansas City, MO 64130. Items mailed to our physical address on Troost will be delayed in getting to us due to the volume of mail that UMKC receives.

SPARK is a volunteer run organization and depends on dedicated individuals who give generously of their time. SPARK can benefit from your passion and talents! Complete the Interested Instructor Form if you would like to teach a class. Please complete the Volunteer Interest Form to help with one of the things mentioned below. 

Easy ways to volunteer

• Give your catalog to someone else
• Tell your friends about SPARK
• Welcome new members
• Follow SPARK on Facebook
• Be a Door Greeter
• Be a Class or Tour Coordinator
• Touch base with existing members
• Teach a class on something you are passionate about!

You can also help support SPARK with a donation to support our efforts, classes, and community events. You can also contact us by emailing spark@umkc.edu or calling 816-235-287

Annual dues: $50 (Expires 12 months after date of purchase) – a quarterly option is also available

Classes: $10-40

KC Gems/Tours: costs vary

SPARK accepts CASH, CHECK and CREDIT CARD (though the PayPal platform- you do not need a PayPal account to use this feature).

SPARK offers high quality classes on a wide range of topics are taught by knowledgeable and experienced volunteer instructors with a passion for teaching adult students. 

• Local Museum Tours
• Historical Sites
• Quarterly Member events to meet with fellow members and preview upcoming classes
• Special interest group meetings (including book clubs and the Let’s Eat Out Group that meets weekly at various Kansas City area restaurants

Sign up to stay in the know!

Classes are offered by SPARK four times a year beginning in January, March, June and September. Each class is scheduled for 4-6 weeks and meets once a week for 2 hours. Sign up so you never miss a class!

• Classes are relaxed, informative and there are no tests or grades.
• An online catalog of classes is published on the SPARK website 4-5 weeks prior to the beginning of the next quarter, and paper catalogs are mailed via the USPS to members.

Past classes that were recorded in earlier quarters are also available for purchase and can be viewed when you have time.

Hybrid classes are generally recorded and that recording is uploaded using an unlisted link to YouTube. All class members with an active email address will receive an email containing the unlisted YouTube link to the recording within 24 to 48 hours after the class is complete. Questions about recordings can be sent to spark@umkc.edu.

A hybrid class is one that participants can either attend in-person or via Zoom. This option works best for our lecture classes. Participants can change how they participate through out the quarter depending on what works best for them.

The hybrid option allows our members to participate despite issues that previously made attending classes difficult such as wintering in a warmer clime or being ill. An added bonus is that it also allows us to record these classes so participants who must miss class to an obligation like a doctor’s appointment never miss out!

Unfortunately, this option is not available for classes that are mainly discussion based or participatory in nature.

We invite you to attend a single 90-to-120-minute class of your choice – the sophistication of our offerings will surprise you! Email spark@umkc.edu for information.

You can also sample our classes from Summer of 2021 on our YouTube channel at no charge.  We ask you to remember that these were some of our first attempts at Zoom Classes!  Our inexperience shows but the instruction is great.  Our skills in managing Hybrid class (in-person and on Zoom) continues to improve.

As of Fall of 2021, many classes are presented in a “hybrid” format allowing members to attend in-person or via Zoom to allow participation for members with mobility or distance barriers and those concerned about the COVID-19 variants. The health of our members is our top priority!

In addition, hybrid classes will be recorded and made available to those who pay to participate for a minimum of 6 months after the date of the last class for that quarter. This allows those enrolled to review materials or miss a class without the fear of falling behind!

Unless otherwise noted, all face to face classes are held at 4825 Troost Avenue in room 112.

Yes, SPARK requires participants in classes, tours, clubs and those purchasing our recorded classes to become a member. Membership is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. A single quarter membership option is also available.

Unlike other lifelong learning institutes, SPARK relies on the revenue from classes, membership fees and gifts from our friends to maintain our programming.

Annual Members are mailed a paper catalog to their USPS address prior to each quarter and have access to the UMKC Miller Nichols Library community borrowing program at no additional charge. Contact the SPARK office at 816-235-2870 or email spark@umkc.edu to receive a SPARK Member card to show at the Library First Floor Service Desk to set up an account which allows you to check out up to 5 items at any given time.

Sign up online, give us a call, or email us at spark@umkc.edu.

Annual Members are mailed a paper catalog to their USPS address prior to each quarter, can participate in SPARK classes, tours & clubs and have access to the UMKC Miller Nichols Library community borrowing program at no additional charge. Contact the SPARK office at 816-235-2870 or email spark@umkc.edu to receive a SPARK Member card to show at the Library First Floor Service Desk to set up an account which allows you to check out up to 5 items at any given time.

Unlike other lifelong learning institutes, SPARK relies on the revenue from classes, membership fees and gifts from our friends to maintain our programming.

University regulations require everyone parking on campus on an irregular basis (like SPARK) to have a guest parking pass. This includes those using handicapped parking. The fee is $3 per day for SPARK members and can be purchased online or in our office.  Tags must be picked up in our office.  If time allows you will be mailed 1 tag using the US postal service.

You will need one for each day you will be in class. The permit enables you to park in any lot on the UMKC campus including the one at 4825 Troost and must be placed on the rear view mirror facing the front windshield with the Month, Day and Year clearly scratched off. (we recommend using a coin with a serrated edge like a quarter or dime to scratch off those 3 things) The tag must not be obstructed by a sun visor or placed elsewhere in your car.  Click HERE to purchase parking passes.

You may also purchase metered parking using the AMP Parking App which you can download to your smart phone by searching your App Store. This app allows you to park for your desired amount of time in the spots designated for metered parking and will even send you an alert if your time is about to expire! Cost is $1.25 per hour.

It should be noted that the University sets all parking rules and regulations. SPARK and its members are required to follow those rules and regulations. Parking tickets for current UMKC students, faculty and staff cannot be resolved by SPARK.

SPARK will resolve one parking violation per member at the rate of $20 paid to SPARK. A member who experiences additional violations will be obligated to contact the UMKC Parking Department to resolve the ticket on their own. The contact information for that department is on your ticket.

It should be noted that the University sets all parking rules and regulations. SPARK and its members are required to follow those rules and regulations. Parking tickets for current UMKC students, faculty and staff cannot be resolved by SPARK.

The health of our members is our top priority, and SPARK remains in compliance with all relevant CDC, Federal, State, local and UMKC guidelines.

Starting in the Fall of 2021, many classes are available in a “hybrid” format; members can choose to attend in-person or via Zoom to allow participation for members with mobility or distance barriers and those concerned about the COVID19 variants.

Members who are ill should consider both their own health and that of their fellow classmates.

1. If you are not feeling well for any reason, please stay home and watch the class on Zoom if that is an option.
2. Remember that classes with a Zoom component are recorded. You may wish to rest during the scheduled class time and view the recording when you feel better.
3. If your class does not have a Zoom component, consider wearing a mask to prevent sharing your illness with classmates. We have masks in the office.
4. Class enrollments will be limited only by the number of chairs in the classroom. Students will not be separated from each other per “social distancing” standards.
5. Because UMKC is no longer requiring that masks be worn on campus, SPARK is allowing individuals to assess their own risk and make their own decision regarding wearing masks. Those uncomfortable with this should access classes via Zoom.
6. If conditions change, these guidelines may be altered to conform with the rules of UMKC or the recommendations of local public health authorities.

SPARK offers two book clubs and a dining out club. There is no cost to participate in these clubs but SPARK membership is required. Information about the MARGARET STURGES’ BOOK CLUB, the THURSDAY BOOK CLUB and the LET’S EAT OUT CLUB is available in our online catalog.

Several tours are usually offered each quarter and will be featured in the current online catalog.