Students
Are careers available for young
women in technology and engineering?
From the popular Northwest Asian Weekly: "Ask any male Engineering student at the University of Washington, and he will eagerly tell you the department is sorely lacking a female presence. The same is true of the career field, where an overwhelming 88% of science and technology-related jobs are filled by men.
Duong is so thankful for what she has been given that she regularly volunteers with IGNITE, an organization which strives to foster Duong’s kind of passion and enthusiasm for technology in the young girls of today. IGNITE stands for “Inspiring Girls Now In Technology Evolution.” The organization inspires girls by visiting schools and giving presentations. In addition to various events, IGNITE also has a Mentor Program, which Duong is a part of. Young girls can Job Shadow a professional woman in order to become familiar with science and technology-related fields."
Can I still be a part of IGNITE after I graduate from high school?
Of course! Graduates of the IGNITE student program make up a very important part of IGNITE.
As an IGNITE graduate, you can still access the many resources for students, such as job and internship opportunities, that will continue to help you along in your chosen career path. You are still eligible to do Job Shadows and connect with Professional Members who will continue to mentor you as your future unfolds.
Additionally, once you graduate from the IGNITE program, you have the opportunity to begin mentoring other IGNITE students. By sharing your unique skills and experiences, you can have a huge impact on younger students and help them along as IGNITE has helped you. In fact, many of the IGNITE Professional Members who speak at presentations and conferences are also graduates of the IGNITE program!
Job Shadows
IGNITE's Job Shadow program allows girls and young women interested in a particular technology-related position to spend the day with a Mentor learning more about their job. The Student Member on the Job Shadow follows their Mentor around the office, doing whatever the professional would do on a typical day. It is a chance for the girls to catch a glimpse of the job that they might be considering and have their questions answered about it.
If you want to know what it's like to work in a certain industry, get to know some of the IGNITE members!
Career Options
There are many different options for career direction in technology, science and engineering.
Use the link below to review a description of the most lucrative college degrees on CNN's website: CNNMoney.com
College Resources
Listed below are a couple of places you can look to find information about college requirements, college tuition and the application process, etc.
Scholarships and Grants
There are many scholarships and grants available to Student Members in IGNITE. Below please find our current list of resources. Take the time to look carefully at scholarship applications and grant requests. The application process for each funding opportunity is unique.
Start researching your college scholarship and grant options now and take advantage of your Chapter Administrators and Mentors knowledge and expertise in order to win funding for your continued education.