Milestone marks STEM excellence, continued expansion into new schools, and commitment to building a diverse future workforce
LOS ANGELES – (September 17, 2026) – HNTB Corporation proudly celebrates 10 years of partnership with the Los Angeles Board of Public Works through the SPARK LA Program, a transformative STEM education partnership that has inspired countless students to pursue careers in engineering, architecture, and urban planning.
Launched in 2016 at the Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA), the first all-girls STEM school in the Los Angeles Unified School District, SPARK LA was founded to bridge the gender and diversity gaps in the infrastructure industry. Over the past decade, the program has evolved from a pilot initiative into a premier workforce development model. A major milestone in this journey was the program’s strategic expansion beyond GALA, welcoming Schurr High School in 2022 and Lennox Mathematics, Science & Technology Academy in 2023, where it is set to launch its fourth year.
“When we brought Measure M to the people of Los Angeles County, I dreamt of a county that was on the move again. And voters, through great sponsors like HNTB, responded and said yes,” said former Mayor Eric Garcetti, who helped inaugurate the program during his tenure. “But we also wanted to invest in the dreamers themselves, the young people who could build that future out. So we created Spark LA to make sure that those engineers, those architects, those designers, those folks who could build that future were growing up right here in LA. Thanks to the voters for Measure M, and thanks to Spark LA for a decade of making sure the dreamers of LA are from LA.”
The program’s curriculum immerses students in the world of infrastructure through multi-week interactive modules. Students work alongside industry experts to tackle real-world challenges, such as terminal design for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and complex roadway engineering. The experience culminates with students presenting their experience to the Board of Public Works at Los Angeles City Hall.
“Reaching this 10-year milestone is a testament to the enduring power of mentorship,” said Jenny Chavez, vice president of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works. “SPARK LA has proven that when we show students the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’ of our city’s infrastructure, we spark a lifelong passion for public service and innovation. We are proud to continue our partnership with HNTB and look forward to expand these opportunities to even more schools across the region.”
“At HNTB, we are committed to delivering infrastructure that connects communities while also supporting the next generation of professionals who will carry that work forward,” said Yoga Chandran, PhD, P.E., G.E., HNTB Los Angeles office leader and senior vice president. “This program has allowed us to mentor students who are now entering the workforce as colleagues and collaborators. We remain deeply committed to expanding this initiative, ensuring a diverse pipeline of professionals continues to shape a more inclusive Southern California for generations to come.”