Decatur and Thomas Jefferson at T-Mobile

 

Thursday, May 30, 2019 | Decatur HS and Thomas Jefferson HS at T-Mobile | by Renee N. 

On May 30th, we took 25 female students from Decatur and Thomas Jefferson High Schools in the Federal Way School District to the T-Mobile Tech Lab and headquarters! As soon as we walked in, all the screens welcomed our IGNITE chapter and they led us upstairs to the Experience Room. We all felt very welcomed to the space!

Once there, students were warmly greeted and were given an overview of the day’s events. First up was a drone demonstration where volunteers explained the many uses of drones and asked the students to come up with other situations in which drone technology could be used.

Next, the girls were given iPads and sent a on scavenger hunt, where they would get their answers from various stations set up around the room about 5G. Everyone came back together and students were given prizes based on their answers! The girls were very engaged and had no problem opening up and sharing with the larger group. This part of the trip was very interactive and allowed for the girls to explore and think.

Once we finished at the Tech Lab, we then loaded the bus to head to the T-Mobile headquarters near Factoria in Bellevue. Once we arrived, we were all treated to Subway for lunch and got to hear from several women who worked in a variety of departments at T-Mobile.

All of the panelists shared their personal journey to the technology industry. Many speakers shared that they did not start out looking to work in tech, in fact quite the opposite. This was very helpful to let the girls know that it is okay to change your mind and explore new things. Our girls thoroughly enjoyed their visit, and the encouragement they received to not be afraid to take risks and do what they love was very welcomed.

We truly appreciate all that T-Mobile did for us and look forward to visiting again in the near future. Thank you to the volunteers, speakers, and all who helped put on this inspiring event!

 

 

 

After attending this event:

100%

of girls/non-binary students are more interested in STEM

73%

of girls/non-binary students want to investigate taking a STEM related course next semester

93%

of girls/non-binary students want to study harder to attend college and further their education

87%

of girls/non-binary students want to continue attending IGNITE events

80%

of girls/non-binary students want to ask a teacher about additional STEM activities

Here's what the students enjoyed most:

 

"It was a very interactive experience. I learned a lot that made me excited about the future of technology."

- 11th grade

 

"I loved all of it, but what inspired me was learning about how T-Mobile was using technology to help people and make their lives easier."

- 10th grade

 

"Exploring different technologies that are currently developing. Being able to ask questions to the Panel, they were very fun and honest which made the experience very enjoyable. I love being able to interact with technology, especially VR and 5G."

- 10th grade

 

"I enjoyed learning about the VR and it inspired me to learn more about the different careers available in STEM."

- 9th grade

"I loved going to the tech lab at T-Mobile and learning about 5G/VR. Cell service and connection is an essential area of technology that people often overlook, so it was a very enlightening experience."

- 11th grade

 

"Hearing about the new 5G and how drones could help us out on business and other areas."

- 10th grade

"The launch pad and how technology and innovation is used to improve life, and that there is more to technology than math and science."

- 11th grade

 

"In today's event I enjoyed learning all about the 5G T-Mobile is working on and I also enjoyed going to the room where they had all the fun technology things to experience and play with!"

- 10th grade

"This helped me dig deeper into the STEM program. I learned that there are more than just math and science, there are marketing and design careers open for me!"

- 9th grade

 

"Virtual reality, learning about 5G networks, and talking to women about how they got into STEM."

- 11th grade

"I really enjoyed listening to the women talk about their struggles and how they were still able to have good things come their way."

- 9th grade

 

"Parking spot sensors, trash can sensors, and virtual reality. The opportunities these can provide in schools and communities!"

- 11th grade

"5G interaction stations and excitement about internet and innovation. The panel, empowered women in technological or STEM fields."

- 10th grade

 

"The panel and the VR room. It inspired me around the concept of math, and that it is okay to change your mind about what you want to do."

- 11th grade