Ignited

From human impact to high-tech systems, our teachers explored AI from every angle this week.

Over the past five days, ~20 educators learned how AI works, how to teach it responsibly, and how to build durable skills like communication and critical thinking that can help students thrive in today's rapidly evolving workforce.

Through experiences across the Bay Area, AI came to life:

✨Markkula Center for Applied Ethics – exploring AI ethics and robotics
✨John Deere – seeing autonomous tractors in action with Blue River Technology
✨GreenWaste – touring AI-powered waste sorting
✨Micron Technology – hearing about career journeys and hiring pathways
✨KQED – examining generative AI and student voice
✨OpenAI – learning how AI is transforming the economy and the future of work
✨San Jose Public Library – exploring AI library resources

Teachers also heard from experts like Dr. Ethel Tshukudu and Steven Kramer, and even built their own AI apps with WestEd!

Thank you to our funders—the U.S. National Science Foundation (via our partnership with Ohlone College), Synopsys Outreach Foundation, Nokia, and Electrify America—for making this program possible.

And to our incredible cohort of educators: we can't wait to see how you bring this back to your classrooms!

The Summer Fellowship Program is officially underway!

This past Saturday, we welcomed this year’s cohort of teacher fellows for an inspiring orientation. The room was full of energy as fellows connected with peers, met their curriculum coaches, and began exploring what lies ahead—eight weeks of immersive industry experiences.

This orientation marks the beginning of a summer focused on hands-on learning, meaningful connections, and professional growth that will transform classrooms and expand opportunities for thousands of students.

A special thank you to Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) for hosting us and for supporting our fellows with free year-long memberships and $100 shopping credits to bring fresh ideas and supplies into classrooms this upcoming school year.

Here’s to a summer that sparks lasting impact!

☀️Summer starts here!

The latest Ignited newsletter is packed with educator opportunities, grants, professional learning, STEM resources, and summer updates you won't want to miss.

📩 Read now: https://conta.cc/4u6dUBJ

📬 Join our mailing list for future updates: igniteducation.org/listserv

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!

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!

🍎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

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

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!

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!

🌎 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!