On December 10, 2025, students from Bethel High School and Middle College High School visited the AWS Skills Center for an IGNITE Worldwide Field Trip. With support from AWS staff including tour guide Deborah Williams, activity leader Jerrell Tate, Facilitator Meghan Sullivan, and Panelists Amy Thalangsy, Jennifer Hu, and Sabrina Burka, students spent the day exploring hands-on tech learning and meeting professionals who use cloud technology every day.
Students kicked off the experience with a computer-building workshop led by AWS trainers, this was a clear crowd favorite. They learned how different components fit together, asked tons of questions, and celebrated each time a machine powered on. The group also toured the Skills Center’s cloud exhibit through a scavenger hunt that got them moving, thinking, and discovering how cloud tools shape the world around them. During the panel, students asked thoughtful questions about career mistakes, teen hobbies that shaped the panelists’ paths, and what other tech jobs they’d choose if they weren’t in their current roles. Panelists shared honest, practical advice: don’t take “no” as defeat—use it to grow; surround yourself with mentors and allies; and show up for each opportunity as if it’s yours to master. The combination of hands-on learning and real talk from professionals helped students see that tech careers are built step-by-step—just like the computers they assembled—and that there’s room in this field for their skills, interests, and questions.
“I enjoy talking to the STEM professionals who gave me a new view of the industry. They helped me feel more confident in being a girl and possibly having more opportunities in the tech industry.”
10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to pursue STEM since there are other people who may have the same interests as me. As a teenager, it’s difficult for me to really decide on what I would like to become in the future, but I have learned there are other job opportunities for me that may involve my interests.”
10th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was interesting to learn about a field that involved talking to people and learning about what advice they had. It was also nice to see women and women of color, and hearing them talk about disparities.”
10th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
95%
INTERESTED IN STEM
78%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
76%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
82%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“My favorite thing I learned today was how to make a computer. I enjoy the game and it helped me feel more confident with trying new things.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“My favorite thing that I learned about was how computers are put together. I also liked learning about how the volunteers have navigated their way through life and how they have ended up here.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“It really inspired me to decide what I want to study, especially whether I want to pursue a career in computer science.” 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“My favorite part was seeing how the computers are installed and how Ignite motivates us to decide what we really want to do in the future, thanks to the volunteers.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“[My favorite part was] the building of a computer. I have done a little bit of engineering but it was very fun to work with my hands.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“I really liked learning about how a lot of tech people get their start with playing video games and Scratch. It made me feel connected.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“I liked learning that two out of the four interviewers got their starts in art. As an artist, this is encouraging.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Skills Center Reception
- Deborah Williams
- Jerrell Tate
- Meghan Sullivan
- Amy Thalangsy
- Jennifer Hu
- Sabrina Burka
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.