On October 15, 2024, 40 IGNITE Students from Camelot Elementary in the Federal Way Public Schools district visited Amazon Web Services (AWS) for an exciting field trip focused on technology and career exploration. Hosted at AWS, the event was organized by Ishpreet Singh Anand and featured activities led by AWS Volunteers Jerrell Tate, Deborah Williams, Erica Vismer, and Ken Karru-Olsen. This immersive experience introduced the students, all in grades 4-5, to the world of tech through hands-on activities and inspiring conversations with professionals.
The students kicked off the day by learning about the inner workings of computers. In a fun game, they identified parts like the motherboard, RAM, and storage, and then got competitive as they raced to put these parts into a desktop. They later embarked on a scavenger hunt through the interactive exhibits, discovering AWS’s innovative technology firsthand. During lunch, they heard from Panelists Erica Vismer and Ken Karru-Olsen, who shared their career journeys and answered questions about their daily work, challenges, and even how old they were! As they wrapped up the day with swag bags in hand, the students left not only with goodies but with a key message: keep an open mind, be unafraid to try new things, and let every experience be a stepping stone.
“This event inspired me to want to learn more about STEM. My favorite thing I learned is that you can make lots of cool things.”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
“I learned that girls can do anything, even if you’re the only girl in the room.”
4th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to try different jobs, and it boosted my confidence! My favorite part was building the computers. I’ve never done that before, but it was really fun!”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today showed me that girls can do big things.”
4th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
83%
INTERESTED IN STEM
71%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
73%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
81%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“Today inspired me to feel more motivated about STEM. I learned a lot of new things in STEM. My favorite thing I learned today was about computers.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me think about having the most organized space to create and use my imagination for cool things. It also amazed me how few girls are engineers—I thought more girls would be interested in engineering. I really liked building the computers because I love using my imagination to build things.” – 4th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me because I learned a lot, and the people were so nice. STEM is something I will think about more. My favorite things were the globe and the dollhouse.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to see how the people do their jobs, like the computers and the globe. My favorite thing was when we got to make a computer together.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me because I realized I can do STEM without anyone’s approval.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Jerrell Tate
- Deborah Williams
- Erica Vismer
- Ken Karru-Olsen
- Ishpreet Singh Anand
- Cindi Bryant
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.