IGNITE Worldwide and FWPS Kick Off First Summer Program with Success!

Day 1: Building Soft Skills and Design Thinking

The Summer Program kicked off with a focus on soft skills and included introductions, an overview of IGNITE’s mission, and data on STEM careers. Students participated in discussions on public speaking and presentation basics. Next, they got an introduction to AI/ML with Afiniti volunteers, then learned about the thought processes behind products during a hands-on Design Thinking Workshop. The students began working on their own designs, which they would continue developing throughout the week. Networking and preparedness were also key themes, readying students for the exciting Field Trips ahead.

Day 2: Exploring Construction at BNBuilders

The second day featured a Field Trip to a high school renovation project with  BNBuilders, an employee-owned construction company. Students were greeted by volunteers from BNBuilders, who guided them on a comprehensive site tour. They engaged with volunteers who shared their roles and experiences in the construction industry. The visit ended with a networking lunch, where students mingled with professionals and learned about the various career paths within construction.

Day 3: Designing with TCF Architecture

Day three took the students to TCF Architecture in Tacoma, where they met professionals involved in designing the high school they had seen in construction the day prior! They gained insights into fields like architecture, design, and marketing, and learned how much technology is involved every step of the way. The day culminated with a hands-on activity, working in small groups to design unique restaurants using themes and textures provided by the architects, and then practicing public speaking and presentation skills to share designs with the full group. 

Day 4: IGNITE Panel and Student Presentations

The final day featured an IGNITE Panel with professionals sharing their career journeys and stories that led them into STEM. Students then presented their Design Thinking projects, which included a robotic arm to help users with small children, a notebook that records your thoughts, and a tracking device to keep track of glasses. The presentations showcased the skills and knowledge students acquired over the week—plus lots of innovation and creativity!

Looking Ahead

The IGNITE Worldwide Summer Program was a success, providing students with valuable skills, industry exposure, and mentorship in many forms. The collaboration with FWPS has set a strong foundation for future Summer Programming that will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.