SPARQ: LGBTQ+ student program

round SPARQ logo stickers, rainbow ring and Bates Bobcat logo in center

Established in 2015, SPARQ is a program of the Student Center for Belonging and Community (SCBC) that offers a consistent presence to inspire and foster a sense of community and connection for LGBTQ+, questioning/exploring and ally students at Bates.

See below for some frequently asked questions and check out the side panel to navigate to learn more about our events and offerings.

Questions about SPARQ? Contact Asst Director for LGBTQ+ Programs at adelreal@bates.edu

FAQ

SPARQ is an acronym. It was established using some of the initial values and intentions for the program. As am acronym, SPARQ represents:

  • Support
  • Perspective
  • Allyship
  • Representation
  • Qmunity (a play on the word “Community”)

Students can expect the following from SPARQ:

  • Peer-to-peer support
  • Drop-in hours and community building
  • Annual events and recognitions
  • Social and educational events and activities
  • Active Ally Workshops
  • and more!

There a multiple ways to get involved with SPARQ:

  • Join the LGBTQ+ Student Advisory Board
  • Stop by the SPARQ Community Room and meet with the Peer Advisors
  • Follow the SCBC on Instragram
  • Join the SCBC on Bates Engage to stay up to date with our events
OutFront name, with rainbow wiggly shapes

No, SPARQ is not a student-led club. It is a program of the SCBC.

If you are interested in Bates College’s LGBTQ+ student-led club, consider connecting with OutFront through Bates Engage and follow them on Instagram