On April 28, 2026, students in grades 4–6 from Paschal Sherman Indian School participated in an IGNITE Worldwide Field Trip at Chelan County Public Utilities District. Hosted at the PUD’s Discovery Center and powerhouse, this Field Trip brought students together with staff, including Kristin Lodge, James Webber, Megan Carey, and Lupe Peterson, for a day of hands-on learning about energy, ecosystems, and careers. Educator Brigida Ruis supported students throughout the experience as they explored both environmental science and infrastructure in a real-world setting.
Students rotated through interactive activities that kept them engaged from start to finish, including salmon identification, counting, and illustration exercises that connected biology to real monitoring work. They explored career pathways through a “seek and find” activity in the Discovery Center and took a guided tour across the forebay deck into the powerhouse, where they learned how energy is generated and how fish passage systems support local ecosystems. Students asked thoughtful questions about salmon life cycles, how fish counting works, what different roles exist at the PUD, and how electricity is produced. Volunteers shared advice encouraging students to stay curious, work hard in school, and explore a variety of career paths, emphasizing communication, teamwork, and openness to new experiences. With a mix of movement, hands-on science, and real-world context—including a customized fish-focused activity that kept things fresh for returning students—the field trip helped students see how their interests can connect to future opportunities.
“It inspired me because of how confident the women were. Also, they know a lot, and they were really helpful.”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
“I really liked all the art. I liked all the engineering that we saw today, it’s inspired me to try making my own stuff.”
6th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event inspired me to take care of the earth, save the fish, and study more about fish. My favorite thing was learning the types of salmon.”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event inspired me to take care of the earth, save the fish, and study more about fish. My favorite thing was learning the types of salmon.”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
83%
INTERESTED IN STEM
63%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
63%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
71%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“My favorite thing I learned today was that we learned the different types of fish. Also that we saw the fish ladder.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“I learned how to tell the difference between cob, chinook, and sockeye salmon. And today was very fun.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“The fish because I study marine bio since I was young and already looking at what field I wanna do.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Kristin Lodge
- James Webber
- Megan Carey
- Lupe Peterson
- Brigida Ruis
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.