Ignited

Connecting classrooms to careers since 1985: 40 years, 4K teachers, 4M students.

We connect educators with science and technology professionals to tackle tough problems, sparking creativity in the classroom and in the real world. Check out our teacher and industry programs here: http://www.igniteducation.org/programs/

05/27/2026

We're excited to announce our 2025-2026 Learning Community Fund for Innovation recipients! These awards are enabling teachers to turn creative ideas into meaningful classroom projects by funding essential materials and supplies.

From designing 3D printed homes to explore the affordable housing crisis, to programming robot cars with computer science, to prototyping a miniature city with math and engineering, to designing a "tech for good" coding project that addresses a UN Sustainable Development Goal, these grants will fuel a variety of hands-on student learning experiences.

We're proud to support these passionate educators as they bring learning to life! Please join us in congratulating:
⭐Wendy Chew | West Valley Elementary School
⭐Leah Johnson | Melva Davis Academy of Excellence
⭐Mariam Fan | Los Gatos High School
⭐Chad Davis | Hans Christensen Middle School

Thank you to our funders, including Electrify America and the U.S. National Science Foundation (via our partnership with Ohlone College), for making these innovative projects possible!

05/20/2026

Some of the most important public works systems are the ones we rarely see—but rely on every single day.

This National Public Works Week, we're recognizing the water and wastewater agencies that protect public health and keep our communities flowing.

Since 2016, we’ve partnered with water utilities to connect educators to this essential industry—equipping them to inspire and prepare California's next generation water workforce.

From exploring urban water infrastructure with SF Water, Power, Sewer (SFPUC), to learning about water reuse in the Inland Empire with Eastern Municipal Water District, our teachers gain firsthand insight into the complexity, innovation, and impact of this critical work.

This , join us in celebrating our public works professionals!

05/01/2026

🍎New Ignited Newsletter is live 👩‍🏫 Explore classroom resources, grant opportunities & more: https://conta.cc/428JEL2

📬Sign up today and never miss an update: igniteducation.org/listserv

04/30/2026

On Earth Day, we brought our Learning Community together for a panel conversation on Navigating Professional Growth in the EV Ecosystem, featuring experts from three powerhouse companies: Anderson Wang (Lucid Motors), Hope Bovenzi (Amazon.com), and Bruce Edwards (Rivian).

The panelists—each at a different stage of their career—shared candid insights into how they entered the EV space, the skills they’ve built along the way, and how their roles have evolved alongside a rapidly changing industry.

A key theme throughout the conversation was adaptability. Panelists emphasized the value of strong technical foundations paired with an openness to continuously learn new tools and ways of working.

Thank you to Electrify America for supporting this Learning Community, and to Anderson, Hope, and Bruce for sharing their career journeys with Ignited educators!

Couldn't attend? Watch the recording here: https://join.igniteducation.org/resources/navigating-professional-growth-ev-ecosystem-panel-discussion

04/28/2026

After his fellowship at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) last summer, Conor Carroll put his Ignited Fund for Innovation award into action—bringing 10 teachers and 2 district science coordinators to Berkeley Lab for hands-on professional learning.

Teachers explored cutting-edge research, toured the Advanced Light Source facility, and learned how to use EcoFABs to collect scientific samples. Faith Dukes, Berkeley Lab's Director of STEM Education and Workforce Development Programs, also led participants through a data analysis workshop.

One teacher remarked: "I was in an environment where 'real science' is happening. It's a bit awe-inspiring and also hopeful to think of students who may one day work there, doing great things!"

Thank you to the Ignited Board of Directors, whose generous funding made this professional learning possible, and to Conor and Berkeley Lab for creating such an engaging experience!

04/24/2026

Bay Area educators: get an exclusive look at modern technology!

This summer, join our Semiconductor Secrets Week—a five-day immersive journey into a critical industry powering many of the devices you and your students use everyday.

Along the way, you’ll discover:

🔍 How semiconductors are designed, manufactured, and used
⚙️ Career pathways in one of the fastest-growing tech sectors
💡 Real-world applications of engineering, data, and advanced manufacturing

You'll leave not only with industry knowledge, but with a ready-to-use lesson plan to connect your students to innovative, cutting-edge careers.

📅 July 6-10, 2026
💰 $1,100 stipend
🎓 4 CEUs
🔗 www.igniteducation.org/semi-externship

Open to K-12 educators across all subject areas.

Spots are limited—apply today and share with your colleagues!

04/22/2026

🌎 This Earth Day, we’re reminded that preparing students for the future also means preparing them to care for our planet. 🌱

That’s why Ignited is proud to offer Sustainable Solutions: Water & Green Jobs Experience Week—a one-week, hands-on externship designed for educators to explore the environmental challenges shaping their communities and the innovative solutions driving change. Participants engage with local industries and dive into topics such as green careers, watershed stewardship, sustainable infrastructure, environmental justice, and the circular economy—while developing classroom-ready strategies that bring real-world relevance to student learning.

📅 June 22–26, 2026
💰 $1,100 stipend
🎓 4 CEUs
📍 In-person, East Bay Area
🔗igniteducation.org/sustainable-solutions-week

🌱Spots are limited—apply today or share with an educator!

04/17/2026

Attention Bay Area middle and high school teachers!

Check out this upcoming virtual workshop from Acterra on April 29, providing tools to teach students about climate change, renewable energy, and the benefits of EVs.

This event is part of our broader partnership to bring EV awareness and education to local classrooms! Special thanks to Electrify America for supporting this work.

See Acterra's post for more details below 👇

04/15/2026

Students are growing up in the age of EVs, and on April 22 (Earth Day!) teachers can hear directly from the people building that future.

Ignited's Learning Community is bringing together professionals from three powerhouse companies for a panel on navigating professional growth in the EV ecosystem. Teachers will hear from Anderson Wang (Lucid Motors), Hope Bovenzi (Amazon.com), and Bruce Edwards (Rivian) about their career paths, the diverse skills the industry demands, and where they see the industry going — insights to take straight back to the classroom.

Are you an educator ready to be ignited? This one's for you.

🔗Register here: https://bit.ly/4m1rUKL

Thank you to Electrify America for supporting this Learning Community!

04/14/2026

San Francisco Educators: Apply for a Paid Summer Experience!

This summer, SFUSD educators are invited to join a 5-day immersive experience exploring the science, infrastructure, and careers behind San Francisco’s public utilities.

Through our Science in the City Week, you’ll use the city itself as a living classroom—examining how water and power systems influence neighborhoods, daily life, and the future of urban living. Along the way, you’ll explore:

🔍 The history and evolution of SF’s water and power systems
🌎 Climate change, community impact, and access across neighborhoods
💧 Water reuse, conservation, and sustainability strategies
🏙️ Urban planning and earthquake-resilient infrastructure

Open to all SFUSD K–12 teachers. Spots are limited—apply today and share with your colleagues!

📅 June 22–26, 2026
💰 $1,100 stipend
🎓 4 CEUs
📍 In-person, San Francisco
🔗 igniteducation.org/sfpuc-externship/

Address

5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA
95051

Telephone

+14085532267

Website

http://www.igniteducation.org/

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