IGNITE Worldwide

IGNITE Worldwide (IGNITE) is the answer to achieving gender equity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We work directly with educators during the school day to provide events that promote STEM education and career advancement for girls and gender-diverse youth, primarily from Title 1 schools and under-resourced communities. The IGNITE Program inspires girls to take charge of their future by building self-confidence through hands-on activities and connections to STEM role models from their communities. Our one-of-a-kind events welcome students from all backgrounds to experience STEM first-hand by learning technical skills and being inspired by STEM professionals who look like them.

IGNITE was founded on the principles of supporting girls, girls of color, and gender-diverse students, as these students face the largest barriers to education and career exposure in STEM fields. By providing IGNITE Program events during the school day, IGNITE is able to reach under-resourced student groups, many of whom face obstacles to participating in afterschool or summer programs because of transportation availability, obligations at home, and/or safety concerns.

The IGNITE Program was developed by a longtime educator and school counselor who witnessed firsthand how girls face systemic obstacles in accessing the STEM education and career pipeline, especially girls of color. It is because of this first-hand knowledge and understanding of the national education system that IGNITE has been so successful at combating the gender gap in STEM clubs and classes, as is supported by honors such as the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). Today, the IGNITE Program is aligned with school curriculum and coordinated through Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers at each school to help recruit and retain girls in STEM classes and clubs as a stepping stone to obtaining foundational skills and pursuing high-wage, high-demand careers. 

Through the successful introduction and implementation of virtual, in-person, and hybrid programming, IGNITE has experienced significant growth. The program has expanded to nearly 40 school districts and 83 schools, with more than 70% of the schools being identified as Title 1 schools.

Through hands-on experiences, we seek to enhance the confidence and self-efficacy of IGNITE Students, equipping them with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in STEM fields. 2022-2023 school year data shows that after participation in a single event, IGNITE Students reported:

• 86% are interested in STEM

• 79% are more knowledgeable about the choices and benefits of STEM

• 75% feel more comfortable and confident pursuing STEM careers

• 79% feel more hopeful about their future

In a five-year longitudinal study in three Seattle high schools, female enrollment in technical programs increased from 5% to 50% and above (Franklin High School, Network Engineering program; Roosevelt High School, Computer Science; Ingraham High School, Technology Academy). This success led IGNITE to expand into more school districts in Washington State, such as rural and low-income school districts, as well as schools with large indigenous populations. IGNITE also expanded into the San Francisco Bay Area and, most recently, into schools in the Washington D.C. Metro Area and Washington Tribal Schools during the 2023–2024 school year.