On April 7, 2025, a group of IGNITE Students from Muckleshoot Tribal School visited ANEW for a hands-on, inspiring Field Trip Event focused on careers in the trades. The day was packed with engaging activities, thoughtful conversations, and meaningful exposure to pre-apprenticeship opportunities.
Students began with a tour of ANEW’s training facility, guided by staff and current apprentices. They then rotated through four interactive stations where they tried their hand at hammering, tested their strength on a pull-up bar, practiced lumber carrying, and learned from pre-apprenticeship poster presentations. These “try-a-trade” activities gave students a taste of the skills and physicality involved in various trade careers.
The Field Trip concluded with a powerful panel discussion featuring Rima Moon, Aliana Diaz, and Marana Yazzie, who spoke candidly about their experiences as women in the trades. Students asked insightful questions about unions, navigating male-dominated fields, and how to stand up for themselves on the job.
The Panelists offered strong messages of resilience and self-advocacy, encouraging the students not to be discouraged by challenges or negative treatment and to always stand up for themselves.
“I liked how the event taught me what I can do and how many different careers there are, and what paths I can take. It was really interesting to see what jobs they did and hear about them, and then doing the activities. It was really fun.”
6th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me feel more comfortable and confident. Thank you guys for helping me find more interest in STEM. I think the events you have are fun, and I’m excited to attend them this summer with IGNITE.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to get into carpentry and helped me be more open-minded, and reminded me that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it. I learned that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. No matter the challenge, you can succeed.”
10th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
90%
INTERESTED IN STEM
73%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
83%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
85%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“I feel like I could come back here and be even more comfortable with learning and stuff. I just really liked the people here and their vibe. I feel more comfortable and confident about learning this stuff now, especially with them.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“I think what inspired me today is that I feel like I know more of what I want to do in the future. I love the fact that they mentioned salary.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Ally Dakoulis
- Elizabeth Mboya
- Saoirse McCormack
- Valeria Campos
- Grace Lee
- Hannah Matsuda
- Taylor Scott
- Dakota Dewitt
- Amanda Mann
- Marana Yazzie
- Rima Moon
- Aliana Diaz
- Olivia Bentley
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.