IGNITE Worldwide is the answer
to achieving gender equity in STEM.

The world is missing out on the talent of women, especially women of color, who are not fairly represented in STEM fields. This is reflected in the worsening gender inequity seen in many STEM fields. IGNITE is changing these statistics every day through our award-winning program, and we need your support to expand our impact.

WHY SUPPORT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

STEM fields are among the fastest growing careers in the world, but women are being left behind.

Only 13%

of engineers are women

Only 25%

of people in computing are women

OUR VISION

We envision a world where every girl* has IGNITE Worldwide at their school. All girls* deserve equal access to STEM education during their school day, so they are aware of STEM opportunities and have the social and cultural capital to secure and thrive in a STEM career. IGNITE Worldwide promotes economic equality and workforce development by cultivating a diverse pipeline of talent and supporting a sustainable future for IGNITE Students and their families.

OUR MISSION

IGNITE Worldwide is the answer to achieving gender equity in STEM. IGNITE works directly with educators to connect girls* with STEM opportunities during the school day. Our award-winning Program offers a variety of interactive events featuring STEM professionals** who represent IGNITE Students’ diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

*We serve girls, young women, nonbinary, transgender, agender, and genderqueer students.
**We encourage women, nonbinary, transgender, agender, and genderqueer volunteers.

How does IGNITE Worldwide work?

LAUNCH IGNITE AT a SCHOOL

Any passionate educator can start IGNITE to inspire girls and nonbinary students at their school. Click here to learn more.

INSPIRE GIRLS TO PURSUE STEM

Attending IGNITE events inspires girls to explore new possibilities! 
Panels: Panels allow girls to connect directly with professional women in STEM careers, relate to their stories, and engage in a meaningful Q&A discussion. Become an IGNITE Panelist
 
Field Trips: IGNITE Students visit local companies to experience STEM in action, learn about the variety of career opportunities, and hear from professionals who work at the company. Learn more about hosting an IGNITE Field Trip.
 
Workshops: STEM professionals lead fun and approachable workshops that teach girls real world technical skills, like coding and robotics! 
 
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Conferences: At local colleges, girls from around the region engage in breakout sessions, a panel discussion, and learn about STEM opportunities in higher education. Questions? contactus@ignite-worldwide.org

Our Impact

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Girls served to date

9 of 10

girls served by IGNITE attend Title 1 schools, where 40% or more of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch.

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Improving the gender balance

IGNITE provides teachers with the tools they need to attract and retain girls and nonbinary students in STEM classes. See the comparison of female enrollment in computer science and engineering courses before and after IGNITE. 

Before IGNITE

After IGNITE

Data based on a 2013-2017 study conducted in Seattle Public Schools.

It was inspiring to see so many diverse, successful women.

8th Grade IGNITE Student

I enjoyed every single moment. Each of their stories about struggles and getting through them has inspired me!

IGNITE Student

Hearing the ladies talk about themselves and how they ended up here made me think, that could be me. 

11th Grade IGNITE Student

I learned that everyone can find some kind of career in technology that would line up with their interests. It was very helpful. Now I know what classes to take.

9th Grade IGNITE Student

I enjoyed hearing the experiences and advice from the panelists, especially because they all have such different jobs within STEM. This has inspired me to try new things that I’ve never considered before.

 

12th Grade IGNITE Student

It was very interesting and opened my eyes up to my choices of careers and the opportunities that there are.

 

IGNITE Student

Impact Reports

Awards, Recognition, and Media

2021

GeekWire Awards 2021 Winner
Cathi Rodgveller, STEM Educator of the Year

2020

Grand Stevie Award Winner and Winner of 10 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business

2020

World Affairs Council “Community Spotlight Series” feature on IGNITE Worldwide’s international chapters

2020

Freeman Means Business “Wonder Women in Business” Blogcast featuring IGNITE Worldwide’s Founder

2020

Global Good Awards: Community Partnerships Finalist

2020

IGNITE Worldwide Receives Grant from the Boeing Company to Launch Elementary Program

2019

T-Mobile named the 2019 recipient of the IGNITE Worldwide Community Service Award

2019

U.S. Department of State and World Affairs Council Award for International Program

2018

National Science Foundation and White House OSTP Award for STEM Program Excellence

2018

KIRO Radio and WSECU Hometown Hero Award, Presented to IGNITE Worldwide’s Founder

2018

Women in Tech Regatta Panel, “Take Your Seat at the Table: Building Credibility”, moderated by IGNITE Worldwide’s Founder

2018

KIRO 7 Interview Featuring IGNITE Worldwide’s Founder

2018

iHeart Media, IGNITE Worldwide featured in Seattle in the Community Show

2014

National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity Unsung Hero Award

2013

CenturyLink Spirit of Service Award, Presented at Seahawks Game

2012

Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (AnitaB.org) Social Impact Award

2012

USA Today Article, Teaching for the Future: Steering Girls to Science

2011

The International Alliance for Women World of Difference 100 Award

2009

Women’s eNews Seven Who Stretch the Possible Award, presented to IGNITE Worldwide’s Founder

2008

Senator Maria Cantwell Introduces the “21st Century IGNITE STEM Act

2007

Seattle Times Article, IGNITE Group Introduces Teenage Girls to High-Tech

2000

Feature in Seattle Public Schools Newsletter, New Group IGNITEs Girls to Get Into High Tech