IGNITE Worldwide has been honored as one of this year’s T-Mobile Community Spotlight Awardees!
The award was presented during an exciting Seattle Mariners vs. New York Mets game at T-Mobile Park last Friday, August 9, 2024, on Family Fireworks Night. This incredible award included a $50,000 donation from T-Mobile and the opportunity for IGNITE Program Director, Lauren Johnson, to throw the first pitch of the game!
With a decisive 6-0 victory in front of a crowd of 34,889 fans, the game marked the start of what would result in the Mariners sweeping the Mets in the 3-game series. Before the fireworks lit up the sky, IGNITE Worldwide’s COO Cheri Jensen, Program Director Lauren Johnson, Program Manager Caitlin Duke, and IGNITE Alumna Marcella Huang took to the field to accept the $50,000 check from the beloved mascot, Mortimer the Mariners Moose. This moment marked a significant step forward in our mission to create more opportunities for girls and gender-diverse students in STEM.
Speaking from her own experience participating in the IGNITE Program, Marcella Huang, IGNITE Alumna, shared, “I felt that I have grown along with IGNITE as they have supported me through figuring out my future. Even as I look at all the possibilities, I feel confident and strong in my decisions and in my abilities because of them. IGNITE is gaining the recognition they deserve for making such an impact in young girls’ lives. I feel honored to have witnessed them receiving a spotlight for all their hard work and dedication to creating diverse STEM experiences for students.”
This donation will support a variety of initiatives in Washington State, including providing IGNITE Panels, Workshops, and Field Trips designed to connect students with representational role models and educational opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. These efforts are crucial in breaking down the barriers that often prevent underrepresented groups from pursuing careers in STEM and providing them with a supportive community to thrive.
Cheri Jensen, IGNITE Worldwide’s COO, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It was so exciting to have the opportunity to present IGNITE’s work to thousands of attendees! It’s an honor to be recognized as a nonprofit making an impact in our community by both the Seattle Mariners and T-Mobile. This $50,000 contribution will make a tremendous impact on our work, allowing us to serve more schools right here at home. Thank you for supporting us in our mission to provide the IGNITE Program to even more girls and nonbinary students throughout Washington!”
The T-Mobile Community Spotlight Award shines a light on organizations making a significant difference in their communities, and T-Mobile’s partnership with IGNITE Worldwide reflects a shared vision of a more inclusive and equitable future in STEM.
As we move forward with this funding, we are eager to enhance our efforts and expand our reach, ensuring that every girl and gender-diverse youth has the opportunity to explore high-wage, high-demand jobs with confidence and hope.
A heartfelt thank you to T-Mobile, T-Mobile Park, Creative Artists Agency, and the Seattle Mariners for supporting our mission to change the future of gender equity in STEM!
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 www.igniteworldwide.org.