Virtual Elementary Show-and-Tell Mini Panel

Join IGNITE to inspire girls, nonbinary, agender, transgender, and genderqueer students in Kindergarten-5th grade!

IGNITE aims to increase gender diversity in high-wage/high-demand STEM fields, such as technology and engineering. Women, nonbinary, transgender, agender, and genderqueer professionals who represent these perspectives are highly encouraged to sign up as Panelists to share their stories and answer student questions!

Volunteers should be comfortable speaking with young children (ages 6-10) in kid-friendly language.

This is an incredible opportunity to change an IGNITE Student’s life! After signing up as a panelist, volunteers are required to review our 10-min Panelist Training Video at least once per school year and attend a live, interactive Virtual Panelist Coaching Session if they have not attended one in the past. Training must be completed by March 1.

During this 40-min IGNITE virtual mini-panel, you will share your story and also show off 2 or more visual aids, such as wearing your work uniform or sharing a product or project you’ve worked on, so students can get a visual introduction to your job. See visual aid examples here. You will get a chance to answer students’ questions during the Q&A discussion.

We are also looking for a Facilitator, Tech Host, and Spanish Translator to moderate, provide technical support, and translate into Spanish using Zoom interpretation tools, respectively. The Facilitator, Tech Host, and Translator will meet with our IGNITE organizer for a scheduled training up to 1 hour in length before your first event.

PLEASE NOTE: Since only 2 panelists are participating in each mini panel, we want to ensure students are exposed to a variety of opportunities in STEM. If your job is similar to another panelist who has already signed up, we may ask you to participate in the next event instead.

Approximate time commitment:

New Volunteer: 3.25 hours – 2 hours prep (training, coaching, materials review) + 1.25-hour event

Returning Volunteer: 1.75 hours – 30 minutes prep + 1.25-hour event