On March 25, 2025, IGNITE Students from Evergreen Middle School participated in a hands-on IGNITE Workshop with McInnis Engineering and ESM Consulting Engineers, focusing on stormwater design. The event was led by Laura Bartenhagen, Director of Engineering at ESM Consulting Engineers, and Kallie Iverson, Project Engineer at McInnis Engineering, LLC. They were joined by Volunteers Jeff McInnis and Cheryl Rucker, both from McInnis Engineering.
The Workshop featured an enviroscape model simulating a suburban landscape complete with houses, roads, and bridges. Students got to apply “pollutants” to the model and observe how different environmental factors contribute to stormwater runoff and the pollution of lakes and streams. This interactive activity gave students a clear and direct understanding of real-world engineering challenges and how engineers solve them.
Following the model activity, Panelists Laura and Kallie shared personal stories about their career paths and answered a variety of student questions, including: How much money can be made in this field? What’s the difference between civil and mechanical engineering? How did you pay for school? What’s the best and worst part of your job? What advice would you give to me? Can you balance work and life? Would you choose this field again, or do something else? If I’m not a good student, can I still go into this field?
The engineers offered thoughtful and encouraging advice: take risks and don’t fear mistakes, be determined and eager to learn, don’t let bad advice hold you back, and approach every opportunity like you want to be there.
Educator Gil Simmons shared how powerful the combination of hands-on learning and personal storytelling was for students: “They could see in a direct way how different types of additives can become part of stormwater runoff. The personal stories told by the volunteers were also incredibly effective.”
“It made me feel more comfortable and at home in a STEM environment. It inspired me to know that women are in STEM fields. My favorite thing to learn was what engineers do every day and how their jobs impact the public.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event helped me see more options and showed me different paths to college. We got to talk to people with real STEM experience. I learned about different programs you can join to get into college.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It helped me understand the benefits of being in STEM and having confidence in your work. My favorite part was seeing the projects the volunteers worked on, like the man-made lake.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me think about what career I want to pursue and what kind of engineering I might explore. I learned about stormwater runoff and how civil engineers help the community. It was also nice to get our questions answered.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
94%
INTERESTED IN STEM
75%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
76%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
79%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“It inspired me by helping me understand how STEM works. It also helped me decide what I want to be when I grow up. My favorite thing I learned today was how stormwater runoff works. I also liked hearing the volunteers’ journeys.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“They really inspired me to think about my future and to want to learn more about STEM and different jobs. My favorite part was when we talked about trash, the stormwater system, and the little experiment we did.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I learned a lot and it gave me an idea for my future plans. I learned how civil engineering works and how it helps the environment.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“The event was fun and eye-opening. It helped shine a light on some STEM careers. My favorite thing I learned was that a lot of the places I go to were designed by engineers.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I really liked it. It changed my perspective on how I see the STEM world. My favorite thing was seeing what they had designed for people to build.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event helped me think about new things I’m starting to like and consider new opportunities. My favorite thing I learned was about different ways and programs to go to college.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event gave me hope and courage to pursue my dream of becoming a marine biologist. I liked the advice and tips they gave us—like staying calm and confident.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“The event helped me feel more confident and passionate. I liked how the STEM professionals gave us advice for our future careers and talked about their jobs too.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It changed how I see nature and inspired me to think about career choices. I appreciated how honestly they answered our questions.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event opened my mind to better understand different engineering fields, like stormwater and civil engineering. I especially liked how they represented the real impact of pollution and littering in our neighborhoods and towns.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Laura Bartenhagen
- Kallie Iverson
- Jeff McInnis
- Cheryl Rucker
- Gil Simmons
- Charissa Eggleston
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.