IGNITE Programs

Ignite presentations are the “heart and soul” of Ignite because they are usually the first experience that students have with the program. The presentation usually involves 3 or 4 professional women who work in technology and engineering for local companies. Now, these companies do not have to be “technology” companies.

Most mentoring relationships grow naturally out of IGNITE events. They can also start and flourish online. Ignite is about building a worldwide network of support for young women considering a career in technology and engineering by pairing them up with women who have the same interests and career paths. The program is called Professional Members Program.Through our interactive form, students can search for mentors based on job title, organization, and location.

Internships allow students to train in their field of interest and learn about working in a business environment while possibly earning a salary. The internships listed on this site come from a wide variety of sources including career centers, community colleges, other websites, corporations and IGNITE professional members. IGNITE professional members can also help students fill out internship applications. While IGNITE facilitates the internship connection, once the students begin working, their primary relationship is with the hiring company.

These are programs, camps and other opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering, math and closely related fields. IGNITE collaborates with local colleges, industry and all kinds of organizations to create more resources for students. A list of learning opportunities on our website is constantly being updated.

IGNITE’s Job Shadow program allows students to spend the day with a mentor learning about their job by following the mentor around the office doing whatever they would do on a typical day. Sitting in on meetings and planning sessions, observing the interaction between the mentor and anyone they come in contact with, and seeing the latest technology and trends in the career are all part of a typical job shadow experience.

Field Trips are visits not only to technology companies, but non-technology companies who use technology in their every day operations. This could be community colleges, technical colleges, universities, tech museums, just to name a few. It is a learning experience for both teachers and students. Teachers can see what students will face in the working world and students can see how technology is a part of their everyday lives. After each field trip, students fill out a brief survey about their experience.

DigiGirlz High Tech Camp in Redmond, WA was developed to provide girls with a better understanding of what working in technology is all about. This exciting five day experience provides opportunities to learn about careers in technology, talk with Microsoft employees about their life experiences, and enjoy hands-on computer and technology workshops.

We want to help prepare our members for a future in engineering and technology. Education is a key part of this goal. Finding the money for education, however, can be a daunting task, especially in this age of online scams and cheaters. Our list of scholarship and grants is researched and updated on a frequent basis with legitimate organizations offering money for education.
Need help in applying for a grant or scholarship? Find a mentor in your area of study and near your location to guide you through the process.