IGNITE™ (Inspiring Girls Now In Technology Evolution) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational program founded in 1999. Originally launched in the Seattle School District, IGNITE’s program connects school-age girls to professional women in STEM careers who act as role models and mentors.
- IGNITE has touched the lives of over 25,000 young women in middle school and high school grades
- In the Seattle School District alone, female participation in technology classes skyrocketed from 10% to 50% since the start of the IGNITE program.
- IGNITE is a program for any school: in addition to chapters formed across the United States IGNITE has chapters in Ghana, Nigeria and India.
WHY IGNITE?
The United States is experiencing a shortage of students interested in STEM careers (Science, Technology, Education, and Math.) By 2020, it is projected that in the US we will face a 300,000+ deficit in talent to support STEM positions. Women in particular are extremely underrepresented in these career paths: they represent only 15% of the technology workforce, down from a high of 35% in 1980. By increasing the number of women choosing STEM careers, we invest in our nation’s future of gender equity, and position the United States to remain competitive in these vital industries.