Making a Difference

All of us have full schedules! A day never goes by that most of us don't wish there was more time! As an IGNITE Professional Member, you will find time and effort you never knew you had! What a joy working with IGNITE has become for so many! Today, less than 15% of the workforce is comprised of women who are engineers. In the technology field it's less than 10%. Why? Statistically over the years, girls and young women have been steered away from or adamantly discouraged from pursuing non-traditional careers. For many of the Professional Members who participate as Volunteers and Mentors with IGNITE Member Schools, we hope to pass on our encouragement and passion for our work in these rewarding and fulfilling careers. Cathi Rodgveller started IGNITE in November of 1999. Over the ten years IGNITE has been offered at the Seattle School District Member Schools, there have been gigantic leaps in the participation of female students in math, science and technology classes.

Statistics that Matter

Between November 1999 and the end of the school year of 2002, IGNITE Programs in the targeted Seattle Member Schools experienced marked increased female enrollment in the Cisco Networking Academies by 35-80%. In 2005-2006 IGNITE Student Members represented 50% of the MOUS Certifications! Girls are excited about our Programs and it seems the more we offer, the more they take advantage of the opportunities to excel. The IGNITE Student Internship Programs and Job Shadow Opportunities with Microsoft have proven to be valuable resources for our Student Members! Last year, 66% of the High School Internship positions at Microsoft were filled by IGNITE Student Members!