On January 30, 2025, 100 students from TAF@Saghalie, Bethel High School, and Auburn Mountainview High School attended an engaging conference event at Bates Technical College, where they explored STEM pathways through hands-on workshops and a panel discussion.
The event, led by Patricia Stewart, featured workshops in cybersecurity, information technology, video production, and mechanical engineering, with guidance from instructors Joseph Kauer, Ingrid Smith, Curt Meyer, Ken Witko, and Ace Wheeler. Students particularly enjoyed the interactive video production “gameshow” activity, as noted by Auburn Mountainview High School educator Karen Ainsworth.
Bates Technical College student government members played a key role in ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience, assisting with workshop transitions, campus tours, and student needs throughout the day.
Following the workshops, students participated in a panel discussion with Kathy Brustad, Laura Bartenhagen, and Marcella Huang. The Panelists shared personal experiences navigating STEM careers, overcoming gender barriers, and staying motivated. Students asked insightful questions about how long it took the Panelists to earn the credentials needed for their jobs, how they navigated working in a male-dominated industry, what motivated them, and what strategies they used to be heard and succeed as women in STEM. The Panelists encouraged students to pursue their interests with confidence, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and skill-building.
“I am more interested in STEM than how I was before. Everything was something I have never done before. I learned how to make cables, order the wires in the cable and learn how to use graphic design programs.”
10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event was incredibly inspiring because it highlighted the power of perseverance and collaboration. Seeing individuals come together to overcome challenges and achieve a common goal reminded me of the importance of resilience and teamwork. It left me feeling motivaed to take on new challenges with a positive mindset.“
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event inspired me to feel confident that I have a place in STEM and all I need to do is work for it. This event also inspired me to seek out others in the field. There are people who can help me get into the field I want.“
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event showed me a different side of these career choices. I really liked learning about mechanical engineering. It was very inspiring and fun, and I’d like to thank the teachers and volunteers for giving me the opportunity to experience today.“
12th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
61%
INTERESTED IN STEM
65%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
60%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
65%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“I really liked how they related to us. I thought they would have gotten on their career paths easier but they were more like me than I thought.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event showed me new interests, and that anything is possible to learn. My favorite thing was this show they were filming, like a game show!” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me by showing me the advantages of working in technology fields along with the small disadvantages. I loved watching the production/broadcasting sections. It was so interesting to see behind the scenes.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was a great experience, good hands on skills and great advice from the panel.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me realize that it really isn’t hard to do what I want if I believe in myself and it’s okay to go slow.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“My favorite thing is that they encourage you to do things that you might think are impossible and make you see that anything you want to do is possible.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me realize that anything with STEM is pretty cool. It inspired me to look into more careers. I never realized that filming on a set took so much background equipment.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event helped me to think harder about what I want to achieve. This inspired me to work harder towards my goals.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Patricia Stewart
- Joseph Kauer
- Ingrid Smith
- Curt Meyer
- Ken Witkoe
- Ace Wheeler
- Kathy Brustad
- Laura Bartenhagen
- Macella Huang
- Karen Ainsworth
- Devina Khan
- Elizabeth Benitez
About IGNITE Worldwide:
IGNITE Worldwide is a 501(c)3 nonprofit STEM education organization that aims to change gender and racial equity in STEM permanently and systematically. We work directly with teachers during the school day to provide programming that promotes gender equity and representation in STEM academics and careers. Through our award-winning program, IGNITE provides engaging, hands-on events that connect students with STEM professionals from industry leaders from around the world. Learn more at igniteworldwide.org.