On March 12, 2026, students from Auburn Mountainview High School, TAF @ Saghalie, and Glacier Middle School gathered at Renton Technical College for the IGNITE Glitter Conference, a full-day experience designed to introduce students to hands-on STEM learning and career pathways. Students engaged in interactive workshops, campus tours, and a panel featuring women working in technology.
Throughout the day, students rotated through three technical programs, where they explored automotive technology, cybersecurity, and mechatronics/robotics. In these sessions, students had the opportunity to program robotic arms, experiment with circuit panels to power lights and buzzers, and learn about cybersecurity concepts. These hands-on activities stood out as the most impactful part of the experience, allowing students to directly engage with the tools and skills used in real-world STEM careers.
The event concluded with a panel featuring industry professionals, including Natalie Seaton, Smriti Singh, and Pat Velasquez, who shared their career journeys and insights into working in technology. Students asked thoughtful questions about career pathways, challenges the Panelists faced, and advice for pursuing similar roles. Panelists emphasized that women bring valuable strengths to the workplace and encouraged students to stay persistent, even when facing challenges. They also highlighted the growing importance of AI and the strong earning potential within STEM careers.
In addition to the workshops and panel, students toured Renton Technical College facilities and connected with instructors and staff in smaller group settings, which helped create a more personalized and engaging experience. Many students asked questions about college pathways, showing increased curiosity about their futures after high school.
This conference provided students with meaningful exposure to STEM fields, combining hands-on exploration, mentorship, and real-world insight to help them envision their future possibilities.
“Today’s event inspired me by giving me more hope and excitement for my future. Also, it inspired me by realizing we need more women in STEM.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me that many people of all around can be what they want, they showed me how to do something that many people may not know.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“The field trip helped me to understand more about my career and to gain more confidence in women in technology.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It gave me confidence for learning more about STEM as a girl.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It helped me understand more about STEM and showed me what goes on at engineering college.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me by making me feel independent.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
78%
INTERESTED IN STEM
71%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
66%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
71%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“I loved how there was a club for ethical backings on how they explained things from mechanics to robots.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“The robot technology and their space is very organized and the people are smart and learned some robot parts.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“My favorite thing I’ve learned today is how little women there are in STEM. And how we can help with that.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me more interested in STEM programs.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Eva Juarez
- Hector Perez
- Mitzi Philpott
- Ryan Hoaglin
- Justin Ellis
- Jeremy Thorn
- Natalie Seaton
- Smriti Singh
- Pat Velasquez
- Karen Ainsworth
- Elizabeth Benitez
- Emily Flavin
- Harumi Sasao
- Hannah Sitiia
- Nicola Rigor
- Yaritza Esqueda
- Julia Kane
- Priscilla Ponce
- Jackie
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.