On April 23, 36 students from Eckstein Middle School visited the Seattle office of Slalom for an interactive IGNITE Field Trip focused on technology, artificial intelligence, and career exploration. Students were welcomed by volunteers including Emily Lukken, Nishadhi Nikalandawatte, Griffin Idelman, and Smitha Shankar, who guided them through a day filled with hands-on learning and meaningful conversations about careers in tech.
The day began with small-group tours of the office, where students asked questions about workplace culture, flexible schedules, and what daily life looks like in the tech industry. Students then worked collaboratively in teams to use AI tools to design and create app concepts. During the activity, students brainstormed ideas, explored creative solutions, and presented their projects to the larger group. Educators shared that students especially enjoyed the opportunity to move around, work together, and experience a professional office environment firsthand.
After lunch, students heard from panelists Alie Boon-Dooley and George Ghali about their personal career journeys and the many different paths into technology careers. Students asked thoughtful questions, including how the speakers got into tech, how they discovered their companies, what teachers inspired them, how they chose their careers, and whether remote or part-time work was possible in the field.
Panelists encouraged students to keep trying even when subjects like math feel challenging and reminded them that there is no “right” age to start learning about technology. They emphasized that persistence, curiosity, and supportive teachers can make a huge difference and reassured students that STEM careers are accessible to anyone willing to learn and grow.
“I loved hearing the panelists talk about their experiences! The ways they go into the field were so interesting.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was really interesting to hear how many different fields and opportunities there were in the company. I felt like I knew and understood what it would be like to work at this company, and like I could picture myself in this type of career.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I feel really inspired to hear women’s and men’s opinions about women in STEM. I know that I could have a good career in STEAM.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“I learned that women can be successful in male-dominated fields and that there are really coding women doing good things.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
75%
INTERESTED IN STEM
79%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
67%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
65%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“Today inspired me to try more things and keep an open mind to other career choices. I now realize that there are many more choices that include STEM and tech.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event helped me feel more confident about STEM in college and pursuing it in high school. They also made me feel better about STEM in an AI world.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It gave me a bit more idea of how different people had different ways of getting into the STEM field, as well as getting their jobs. They also inspired me with how people are thinking about their experiences within the STEM field.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was good to see people with similar experiences to learn about how they became successful. That was my favorite part.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“My favorite thing I learned was that one of the panelists wasn’t confident in math when she was younger, yet still I got a math-related job because it made me feel a bit better, because I am not very good at math either.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“They made me understand more about STEM and made me want to make more, eventually only AI. Normally, I don’t like working with people, but the group I was in was fun.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“I think it was really nice to see how so many people can work in the same place but have such different ways to fit whoever chooses to work here.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me by telling us about their career and made me think that maybe I could do the same.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Coding the app in AI inspired me to maybe do this on my own time for fun. I have always enjoyed designing things.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“I loved the activity we did with the podcast! I wish we had spent longer on it. Thank you so much for this opportunity!” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I really enjoyed the AI coding activity. It was really fun and inspiring to be able to create something and tailor it to our interests and preferences, and it made me want to learn coding languages.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Emily Lukken
- Nishadhi Nikalandawatte
- Smitha Shankar
- Alie Boon-Dooley
- George Ghali
- Griffin Idelman
- Michele Amato
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.