RSA Spark’s impact for 2024/25
RSA Spark drew submissions from a diverse range of students across a broad spectrum of subject disciplines, countries of study and ethnicity.
RSA Spark’s impact in 2024/25
RSA Spark drew submissions from a diverse range of students across a broad spectrum of subject disciplines, countries of study and ethnicity, to name a few.
It was wonderful to learn more from students about why they participated and what they gained from that experience.
RSA Spark student diversity
Whilst 65% of submissions were from students studying design, creative and performing arts courses, a significant minority came from other disciplines, including 21% from those studying engineering and technology. Students also represented fields such as architecture, business management, social sciences, and computing.
It was great to see submissions from across the globe, including the United States, Ireland, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Oman and India, in addition to the UK.
When considering student demographics, 45% of submitting students were from ethnic backgrounds other than white. Women submitted 50% of entries, creating a balanced gender split. 31% had received financial assistance during their education, and 17% were the first generation in their family to attend university. 5% of submissions came from students with a disability.
Students were able to submit ideas individually or in teams, and one third chose to do so in a team. It’s worth noting, too, that just over half of submissions (55%) came through a course. When considering further development of their ideas, 61% said they would definitely or probably continue beyond the formal end of the RSA Spark process.
Sparking benefits for students
Students shared how participating in RSA Spark had benefitted them, and the impact included: introducing new ideas and opportunities that they hadn’t considered before, reinforcing their intended career paths, deepening their commitment to community and sustainability, and viewing design as a tool for impact.
Having a more open and thoughtful approach to research really helped me in starting to answer the brief for RSA Spark, especially as it is very open-ended.
RSA Spark student
Connections forged
Students involved in the RSA Spark process made new connections with a range of groups, with 73% making between one and 10 new connections. This included 61% connecting with university staff, 56% connecting with students on their course, and 31% connecting with students outside their course.
Recognition and reward
Students earned digital badges for participating in learning workshops, working in teams, and submitting ideas. They collected 343 badges in total, which they can add to their online profiles to showcase their participation and skills development.
What the RSA has done with Spark is amazing. We were big fans of the Student Design Awardss. It was our favourite programme for students because the briefs were so much more meaningful. But now with all the opportunities for our students beyond a single winner, RSA Spark is even better.
Educator
More from RSA Spark
RSA Spark review panels
Meet the RSA Spark team of reviewers. The panels have been curated to include an impressive range of expertise across and beyond RSA Fellowship.
Meet the RSA Spark entrepreneur guides
Behind every budding idea is someone who knows what it takes to bring it to life. This year, three guides have stepped forward, aligned with the RSA Spark briefs.
Students changing tomorrow
RSA Spark
RSA Spark welcomes students from around the globe to develop and apply their agency, skills, and creativity to real-world briefs that do more good for people, places, and the planet.
