Ignited / Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education

Summer Teacher-Fellow Program - In this fiscal year IISME dba Ignited provided Fellowships for 30 teachers from 28 schools; 43% of whom teach in schools with a high percentage of educationally disadvantaged students. These teachers increased their knowledge of STEM careers gained ideas about making their curriculum relevant in today's workplace and found new ways to improve their teaching. In addition these teachers received over $217,600 in stipends and grants providing a valuable salary supplement to offset our region's high cost of living. 6 teachers were awarded $3,000 in Fund for Innovation FFI grants. FFI is a competitive grant program for Ignited Fellows to improve instruction in their classrooms with innovative educational projects.

Industry Experience Weeks Program - During this program teachers participate in immersive week-long job-shadows with a company or slate of organizations in a specific industry generating lesson plan ideas and creating one curriculum plan. During the fiscal year 49 teachers participated in this program 69% of whom teach in schools with a high percentage of educationally disadvantaged students. In addition these teachers received $64,023 in stipends and grants. They increased their knowledge of STEM workplace cultures and career options and they increased their effectiveness in integrating 21st century skills as well as real-world industry and research examples in their teaching.

Industry-Aligned STEM Program Models - New program models aim to train and support educators in teaching industry-specific sciences. Teachers are empowered with new enhanced knowledge confidence resources and peer-support to successfully increase student exposure to and interest in these fields. 46 teachers participated in activities in this fiscal year. In addition Teachers earned $29,652 in stipends and grants. Ignited is introducing newer models to address the changing needs of our corporate partners and educational communities.