On March 11, 2026, students from Kilo Middle School participated in an engaging and insightful IGNITE Workshop with Azul Systems focused on building pathways into technology careers. Led by Ed Price, Senior Technical Specialist at Azul Systems, with support from Marcella Huang from IGNITE Worldwide, the session gave students a meaningful introduction to the tech industry and what it takes to succeed in it.
Students were engaged throughout the workshop, especially during the interactive discussion and Q&A portion. Many shared afterward that they found the session both interesting and inspiring. The opportunity to ask questions directly to professionals stood out as one of the most valuable aspects of the experience.
Students asked thoughtful and wide-ranging questions, including whether AI is good or bad for the future, how to navigate college challenges, what to avoid when entering the workforce, and how professionals discovered their career paths. There was also strong curiosity around the ethics and real-world applications of AI, sparking deeper conversation about the evolving role of technology in society.
The speakers emphasized the importance of taking initiative, sharing that doing nothing is often the biggest missed opportunity. They encouraged students to ask questions, seek out opportunities, and build connections through networking. A key takeaway was that every experience, whether positive or challenging, offers valuable lessons, even if it simply helps clarify what you don’t want to pursue.
“It inspired me by telling me there are so many opportunities for careers in the future. Technology can lead you to so much understanding and learning.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me because it showed me how technology connects to the career I want to do and how it shows up in the world around us.“
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to be more interested in STEM. I learned that my future career has STEM involved.”
6th Grade IGNITE Student
“This made me feel more motivated to be open and bold.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
100%
INTERESTED IN STEM
76%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
69%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
72%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“This event inspired me to be more extroverted and explore everything.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I learned that I could make an app to help with my future job as a vet.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“My favorite thing was learning about college opportunities.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Todays event helped inspire me to work towards my dreams. It also motivated me to want to further my game and provide a platform recommendation.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Inspired me to speak up.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I love this event, it was so fun and thank you for running the event and because of this I know my future job I am interested in.” –6th Grade IGNITE Student
“My favorite thing I learned was to learn that clubs help my dream in technology (Thank you Marcella and Ed!).” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“I really liked learning about the different roles involved in tech. It was overall just very interesting, and I would hope to attend another IGNITE event soon.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Ed Price
- Marcella Huang
- Jillian Hove
- Robert Daniel
- Lisa Hanauer-Sutton
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.