September 24, 2025 • 19 mins
In this episode of Agency for Change, Lyn talks with Michelle Barry, Director of IGNITE Pathways, about a bold new approach to education that connects classrooms to real-world careers. From healthcare and aviation to agriculture and construction, IGNITE offers students hands-on experiences, certifications, and even paid apprenticeships that prepare them for both college and the workforce.
Michelle shares her journey from middle school teacher to educational innovator, the story behind the IGNITE name, and the launch of Career Adventure Days, which give students an early taste of future career paths. Tune in to hear how IGNITE is sparking curiosity, transforming education, and helping communities close workforce gaps while inspiring the next generation of learners.
Welcome to the Agency for Change podcast.
Connect with Michelle and IGNITE Pathways at:
· Website – https://www.ignite-pathways.com/
· Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IGNITEPathways
· Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ignite_pathways/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Spark curiosity and the learning will follow.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Welcome to Agency for Change, a podcast from KidGlove
that brings you the stories ofchangemakers who are actively
working to improve ourcommunities.
In every episode, we'll meetwith people who are making a
lasting impact in the places wecall home.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Welcome back to another episode of the Agency
for Change podcast.
Today we are diving into agroundbreaking approach to
education.
So imagine a place wherestudents don't just sit in
classrooms but learn by doing,building real skills, earning
certifications and even landingpaid apprenticeships along the
(00:53):
way.
That's the magic of IgnitePathways, a first-of-its-kind
career and technical educationcenter that's bridging the gap
between high school and highdemand careers.
And joining me today to sharemore about this innovative model
is Michelle Berry, director ofIgnite Pathways.
(01:14):
Michelle, welcome to thepodcast.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Well, thank you so much for having me.
I'm excited to be here and toshare more about the work that
we're doing at Ignite Pathwaysand the impact it's having on
our students, families andcommunities.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Oh, michelle, that's actually the perfect place for
us to start.
I'd love to have you tell usmore about Ignite Pathways and
the work that you do.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Of course.
Ignite Pathways is a regionalcenter that's reimagining how
education connects to real worldcareers, and we focus on career
and technical education forstudents in grades 7th through
12th, while also offering adultlearning classes and
professional developmentopportunities for educators
across the country.
(02:00):
Students gain hands-onexperiences in areas like
healthcare, aviation, lawenforcement, construction and
agriculture, and in our highschool program, students can
even earn core academic creditsthrough their CTE experiences.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
So we have a lot to offer.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Yeah, we have a lot to offer at Ignite Pathways.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
And you know what?
I just want to go back becauseI was taking notes as fast as I
could.
But your areas of focus arehealthcare, aeronautics,
construction.
I missed one there, I think.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Well, I added agriculture, but we actually
have 20, over 20 areas of studyfor students to explore through
different classes and fieldexperiences out of the classroom
.
We've recently added a dentalclass which has sparked some
interest for kids just tryingthat field out.
(02:53):
And also a human relationsclass in that social work realm,
so super excited to offer thosefor kids in the area.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Yeah, that's amazing.
I think I know the answer tothis, Michelle, but I want to
hear it in your words.
Why is this work so importantto the communities that you
serve?
Speaker 1 (03:14):
So the communities that we serve have really
welcomed this with open arms,this new approach to education.
And why we do what we do is wewant to make sure students are
prepared to step into theworkforce or into college.
They are college and careerready, and our work helps close
workforce gaps.
It helps us connect educationto industry because there are
(03:39):
crucial partnerships that can behappening.
Tonight I'm meeting with a groupfrom Oregon actually a
workforce- development group,yep, and they are trying to
really spark in their communityeducation and business alike
this idea of partnership.
So it's really exciting thework that we've done here.
We feel like we're just alittle hub that has started and
(04:02):
definitely branching out acrossthe country to help others
reimagine education.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
Yeah, what a great program.
Michelle.
What I love about what I hearyou say is you realize that
humans are so different, right,and not all kids are meant to
learn at a desk, work at a desk.
You know me, even being at KitGlove, in a creative industry.
(04:30):
We have a lot of you know,people here that work at Kit
Glove, that thrive in a spacewhere they are, you know,
professional writers,professional designers and
really focused on a craft.
And I think you could take thesame person who has a lot of
people skills and a lot ofintelligence and put them maybe
(04:53):
in a more traditional job thatwould, and they would struggle
because they're more into usingthat creativity, and I'm sure
you see that all the time aswell.
And then those industries thatyou mentioned I mean healthcare,
construction.
I know those two in particularand you mentioned social work
(05:14):
have just had chronic workforceissues where they're trying to
fill positions.
I once had someone tell me that, you know, in their area there
were projects that were waitingto be built that weren't being
worked on because there weren'tenough craftspeople to do that
work.
So I see what you're doing isreally, really important.
(05:37):
So can you talk to me, michelle, about how you're changing that
education model.
You've touched on it a littlebit, but I'd love to go deeper
in that area.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah, and exactly what you were just referencing
about giving kids voice andchoice and allowing them to find
a passion area and that'sreally what our program focuses
on At Ignite.
We believe that students do notneed to sit in desks in rows to
learn the English and the mathand the social studies and
science and we believe that if astudent has a passion or is
(06:11):
sparked in a particular industryor area of study, we want to
lean into that for the kiddosand we want to take those core
credit experiences, like Imentioned, the English and the
math and social studies andscience to them through their
lens.
And we've seen incredibleresults from attendance is
(06:31):
improved, behaviors are lowerState assessment scores,
students are retaininginformation because it sticks
and stays with that relevancepiece, sticks and stays with
that relevance piece.
And then even just thosepost-secondary plans kids have a
(06:53):
plan upon graduation, which isthe best thing I could ask for.
We know that they're going topivot and we know that careers
will change.
But just to instill in them andempower them to have those
skills to be confident and readyto go in the workforce or
college and be ready to pivot asneeded if that happens to come
their way.
Speaker 3 (07:08):
You mentioned the word pivot and that's something
I've seen and you keep hearinghow the kids that are graduating
today may change careers somany times, which is fascinating
to me, somebody who has been inthe same career since I started
college.
Right, but knowing that kidswill pivot, I love that you're
giving them the chance toexperience something, because
(07:32):
sometimes you think you're goingto like something, and I think
it is a shame to go through afour-year post-secondary program
and pay all of that money onlyto find I don't really like
doing this thing that I'velearned to do, and so that
(07:52):
hands-on experience has to bevaluable in so so many ways.
One thing I know about a lot ofthese different career paths is
that the path toentrepreneurship in some of
these areas in the constructionspace, the agriculture space,
(08:13):
the 3D printing space could beeven a little bit clearer or
easier than maybe a moretraditional pathway as well.
So, as an entrepreneur myself,I think that's a pretty cool
thing, a pretty cool door thatyou're opening for people as
well.
So, Michelle, I'm alwayscurious you mentioned that you
(08:36):
were a middle school teacherbefore taking this role.
I'm always really curious whatpeople's own pathways are Like.
How did you get involved inIgnite Pathways and come to this
position that you're in today.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
Yes, I, this is year 20, probably 20 plus in
education for me and I've hadthe.
I've been fortunate to be ableto teach all the down to early
childhood, the littles, and evenadjunct at the university level
and everything in betweenreally.
And my previous job beforeIgnite Pathways was in a middle
(09:14):
school English class and that'swhere I probably spent most of
my years in that sixth, seventhgrade range, teaching literacy,
and I had come to a point in mycareer just really struggled.
I had the best lesson and itwas organized and it was
engaging from my perspective,and when I presented it to the
(09:36):
kids I struggled so much becauseabout 40% I was still missing
and they they were respectfulbut they just weren't engaged.
And so that in my veteran yearsof teaching just has constantly
been what am I missing?
What am I missing?
And this opportunity of Ignitestarted came to be about five
(09:57):
years ago and I actually had nointention of joining Ignite
Pathways.
I was pursuing another avenuein education, just to get a
second master's degree, and in aconversation it pivoted and I
ended up attending a meeting,going to learn about this new
approach to education throughthis Ignite Pathways that was
(10:19):
going to be built.
And from that point on that'show my journey started.
And once I started in this roleand started learning more about
the career in tech ed andrealizing that education can be
delivered differently for kiddos, it all made sense to me as a
teacher and I thought this iswhat classroom teachers are
(10:39):
missing.
They work so hard, they care somuch, but we just have to lean
into our kids a little bit more.
And I do truly believe thatcareer exploration is a path
that we can meet all kids.
And the sooner we can do that, Ithink, the more impactful it
can be in their lives.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
I love that.
I mean talk about a pathway foryou as well, and you know,
mentioning that, one question Ialways like to ask is that I'm
really interested in the IgnitePathways brand, and I'm assuming
it was formed before you camein.
It was.
Kid Glove does a lot ofbranding work and I'm just
curious what does that brandmean to you?
(11:19):
Because it's a reallyinteresting name.
What does that brand mean toyou?
Speaker 1 (11:22):
Because it's a really interesting name.
Yes, and it was establishedbefore I came on board with the
team, but IGNITE it's allcapitalized, so it's an acronym
that stands for Inspiring Growth, navigating Individuals and
Transforming Education.
Speaker 3 (11:39):
Nice.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
And then they tagged that Pathways on there, just
because we don't want to limitour pathways to just a handful
and that's why we really striveto create experiences that kids
are passionate about orinterested in.
Hence the new dental class andthe new social work class, just
really trying to provide as manyopportunities as we can in
different pathways for kids thatwe serve.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
Absolutely, michelle.
I was just talking to somebodywho is in our Brand Impact
Accelerator class at KidGlovethat helps professionals learn
about branding and we weretalking about how typically we
recommend against the use ofacronyms, because if you just
call yourself, you know ABC, youkind of lose the meaning.
(12:26):
But this acronym is so clever,of IGNITE, I mean it really to
me.
It really to me says you aresparking the passion of someone
and leading them down the pathto make that a career, which I
think is really, really someaningful in what you're doing.
So well done there, whoeverworked on that.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Yes, I will pass that on to the team.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
Thank, you All right, Absolutely so I'm curious
what's ahead for Ignite Pathways.
I know you're talking to agroup from Oregon tonight, but
are there any exciting programsor developments on the horizon
that you'd like to share?
Speaker 1 (13:04):
Yes, actually, this coming year this 2526, we are
launching a new program atIgnite called Career Adventure
Days and I referenced this alittle bit earlier as we were
visiting about that early careerexploration for kids.
Yeah and yeah.
So what we're doing is we aregoing to be opening up our
(13:28):
building and it's a 45,000square foot building.
We have multiple opportunitiesfor students to explore on
simulators, real world equipment.
Yeah, what we want to do isopen our building up to school
districts in the region.
They can bring their kids inhere for a field trip experience
(13:49):
and try out.
So for two and a half hours thekids can fly the aviation
simulators, drive the heavyequipment sims, try out our
healthcare lab and really get ahands-on approach to what
careers are interesting to themand where they may see
themselves go in the future.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
What a great experience.
My next question for you andI'm guessing this is where we
can get information on thatprogram as well, but for our
listeners who would like tolearn more, where can they find
out more about Ignite Pathwaysand the career adventure days
that are coming up this year?
Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (14:28):
We have a website and it is ignite-pathwayscom.
All right, on that website wehave a section for students, or
current students or studentsthat are maybe looking into
Ignite classes to see what mightinterest them.
There's a section for educatorsand those educators across the
(14:51):
country if they would beinterested in learning more
about our program.
And then our another tab upthere is Career Adventure Days
and there are resources there toshare with educators and also
parents about opportunities fortheir kids.
Speaker 3 (15:05):
Fantastic, we will for anybody who's listening
while driving or running ordoing all the things that people
do while listening to podcasts.
We will get that website linkin the show notes on the
KidGlove site as well, so peoplecan check that out.
So, michelle, what advice wouldyou give then, to educators or
parents, or even students thatare maybe rethinking learning
(15:28):
and career prep?
Speaker 1 (15:32):
I would say don't be afraid to do things differently.
And this whole process has beenmessy there's no playbook which
has made it challenging attimes, but also exciting,
because we really are.
We're the authors of this andwe are painting this picture,
(15:53):
and what we love the most is wecan personalize these
experiences for our kids.
Speaker 3 (15:57):
That's fantastic.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
So they're able to just explore and see.
I would say just to parents,educators and students don't be
afraid to do things differentlyor try something new, because
you don't know what door wouldopen.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
Such great advice.
So, michelle, all of ourlisteners on Agency for Change
know that I am motivated byinspirational quotes and I am
hoping you can give us aMichelle Berry inspirational
quote.
Get this to ignite ourlisteners.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
Yes, and as I think about this, there are many, but
really, truly, what you saidabout our, just our brand.
I go back to that and my quotewould be spark curiosity and the
learning will follow.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
And.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
I think that's true for our team just our journey to
get where we are with IgnitePathways but also for students.
Spark that curiosity and thenlet them go, let them learn and
let them lead and support themalong the way.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
That is beautiful, michelle Spark.
Curiosity and learning willfollow.
I love that and it's very brandappropriate which I appreciate
as well.
Michelle, as we wrap up ourtime together today, what is the
most important thing you wouldlike our listeners to remember
about the work that you're doing?
Speaker 1 (17:22):
The most important piece that I hope listeners hear
is that education can betransformed.
But, more importantly, Ibelieve we are in a space where
it should be transformed, and ifwe look at industries across
all areas, they are transforming.
Look at the changes intechnology and how they are
(17:43):
delivering services to people,but education in some ways has
been the same as it's been for ahundred years, and at Ignite we
are proving that we can connectthis learning to real world
experiences, to passions thatstudents have, and we have
results that are showing that itis impacting lives, not only
(18:07):
our students, but alsobusinesses, the business
partners we're able to connectwith.
It's really helping them aswell.
Speaker 3 (18:12):
Michelle, I can certainly hear your passion for
this work and I'm sure ourlisteners can as well.
I have loved this conversationtoday and I just want to say I
fully believe the world needsmore people like you, more
programs like Ignite Pathways.
Thank you for taking time toshare with us to share with us.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Yes, well, I very much appreciate your time and
having me on.
If anybody has questions orwould like more information,
they're always welcome to reachout and we'd be happy to help in
any way we can.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
That's fantastic.
Once again, we will get thatwebsite in the show notes for
everyone so you can jump in andcheck that out.
Thanks so much, Michelle.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
Thanks, lynn, I appreciate it.
Have a great day.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
We hope you enjoyed today's Agency for Change
podcast To hear all ourinterviews with those who are
making a positive change in ourcommunities or to nominate a
changemaker you'd love to hearfrom.
Visit kidglovecom atK-I-D-G-L-O-Vcom to get in touch
, as always.
If you like what you've heardtoday, be sure to rate, review,
subscribe and share.
(19:17):
Thanks for listening and we'llsee you next time.
Spark curiosity and the learning will follow.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Welcome to Agency for Change, a podcast from KidGlove
that brings you the stories ofchangemakers who are actively
working to improve ourcommunities.
In every episode, we'll meetwith people who are making a
lasting impact in the places wecall home.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Welcome back to another episode of the Agency
for Change podcast.
Today we are diving into agroundbreaking approach to
education.
So imagine a place wherestudents don't just sit in
classrooms but learn by doing,building real skills, earning
certifications and even landingpaid apprenticeships along the
(00:53):
way.
That's the magic of IgnitePathways, a first-of-its-kind
career and technical educationcenter that's bridging the gap
between high school and highdemand careers.
And joining me today to sharemore about this innovative model
is Michelle Berry, director ofIgnite Pathways.
(01:14):
Michelle, welcome to thepodcast.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Well, thank you so much for having me.
I'm excited to be here and toshare more about the work that
we're doing at Ignite Pathwaysand the impact it's having on
our students, families andcommunities.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Oh, michelle, that's actually the perfect place for
us to start.
I'd love to have you tell usmore about Ignite Pathways and
the work that you do.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Of course.
Ignite Pathways is a regionalcenter that's reimagining how
education connects to real worldcareers, and we focus on career
and technical education forstudents in grades 7th through
12th, while also offering adultlearning classes and
professional developmentopportunities for educators
across the country.
(02:00):
Students gain hands-onexperiences in areas like
healthcare, aviation, lawenforcement, construction and
agriculture, and in our highschool program, students can
even earn core academic creditsthrough their CTE experiences.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
So we have a lot to offer.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Yeah, we have a lot to offer at Ignite Pathways.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
And you know what?
I just want to go back becauseI was taking notes as fast as I
could.
But your areas of focus arehealthcare, aeronautics,
construction.
I missed one there, I think.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Well, I added agriculture, but we actually
have 20, over 20 areas of studyfor students to explore through
different classes and fieldexperiences out of the classroom
.
We've recently added a dentalclass which has sparked some
interest for kids just tryingthat field out.
(02:53):
And also a human relationsclass in that social work realm,
so super excited to offer thosefor kids in the area.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Yeah, that's amazing.
I think I know the answer tothis, Michelle, but I want to
hear it in your words.
Why is this work so importantto the communities that you
serve?
Speaker 1 (03:14):
So the communities that we serve have really
welcomed this with open arms,this new approach to education.
And why we do what we do is wewant to make sure students are
prepared to step into theworkforce or into college.
They are college and careerready, and our work helps close
workforce gaps.
It helps us connect educationto industry because there are
(03:39):
crucial partnerships that can behappening.
Tonight I'm meeting with a groupfrom Oregon actually a
workforce- development group,yep, and they are trying to
really spark in their communityeducation and business alike
this idea of partnership.
So it's really exciting thework that we've done here.
We feel like we're just alittle hub that has started and
(04:02):
definitely branching out acrossthe country to help others
reimagine education.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
Yeah, what a great program.
Michelle.
What I love about what I hearyou say is you realize that
humans are so different, right,and not all kids are meant to
learn at a desk, work at a desk.
You know me, even being at KitGlove, in a creative industry.
(04:30):
We have a lot of you know,people here that work at Kit
Glove, that thrive in a spacewhere they are, you know,
professional writers,professional designers and
really focused on a craft.
And I think you could take thesame person who has a lot of
people skills and a lot ofintelligence and put them maybe
(04:53):
in a more traditional job thatwould, and they would struggle
because they're more into usingthat creativity, and I'm sure
you see that all the time aswell.
And then those industries thatyou mentioned I mean healthcare,
construction.
I know those two in particularand you mentioned social work
(05:14):
have just had chronic workforceissues where they're trying to
fill positions.
I once had someone tell me that, you know, in their area there
were projects that were waitingto be built that weren't being
worked on because there weren'tenough craftspeople to do that
work.
So I see what you're doing isreally, really important.
(05:37):
So can you talk to me, michelle, about how you're changing that
education model.
You've touched on it a littlebit, but I'd love to go deeper
in that area.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah, and exactly what you were just referencing
about giving kids voice andchoice and allowing them to find
a passion area and that'sreally what our program focuses
on At Ignite.
We believe that students do notneed to sit in desks in rows to
learn the English and the mathand the social studies and
science and we believe that if astudent has a passion or is
(06:11):
sparked in a particular industryor area of study, we want to
lean into that for the kiddosand we want to take those core
credit experiences, like Imentioned, the English and the
math and social studies andscience to them through their
lens.
And we've seen incredibleresults from attendance is
(06:31):
improved, behaviors are lowerState assessment scores,
students are retaininginformation because it sticks
and stays with that relevancepiece, sticks and stays with
that relevance piece.
And then even just thosepost-secondary plans kids have a
(06:53):
plan upon graduation, which isthe best thing I could ask for.
We know that they're going topivot and we know that careers
will change.
But just to instill in them andempower them to have those
skills to be confident and readyto go in the workforce or
college and be ready to pivot asneeded if that happens to come
their way.
Speaker 3 (07:08):
You mentioned the word pivot and that's something
I've seen and you keep hearinghow the kids that are graduating
today may change careers somany times, which is fascinating
to me, somebody who has been inthe same career since I started
college.
Right, but knowing that kidswill pivot, I love that you're
giving them the chance toexperience something, because
(07:32):
sometimes you think you're goingto like something, and I think
it is a shame to go through afour-year post-secondary program
and pay all of that money onlyto find I don't really like
doing this thing that I'velearned to do, and so that
(07:52):
hands-on experience has to bevaluable in so so many ways.
One thing I know about a lot ofthese different career paths is
that the path toentrepreneurship in some of
these areas in the constructionspace, the agriculture space,
(08:13):
the 3D printing space could beeven a little bit clearer or
easier than maybe a moretraditional pathway as well.
So, as an entrepreneur myself,I think that's a pretty cool
thing, a pretty cool door thatyou're opening for people as
well.
So, Michelle, I'm alwayscurious you mentioned that you
(08:36):
were a middle school teacherbefore taking this role.
I'm always really curious whatpeople's own pathways are Like.
How did you get involved inIgnite Pathways and come to this
position that you're in today.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
Yes, I, this is year 20, probably 20 plus in
education for me and I've hadthe.
I've been fortunate to be ableto teach all the down to early
childhood, the littles, and evenadjunct at the university level
and everything in betweenreally.
And my previous job beforeIgnite Pathways was in a middle
(09:14):
school English class and that'swhere I probably spent most of
my years in that sixth, seventhgrade range, teaching literacy,
and I had come to a point in mycareer just really struggled.
I had the best lesson and itwas organized and it was
engaging from my perspective,and when I presented it to the
(09:36):
kids I struggled so much becauseabout 40% I was still missing
and they they were respectfulbut they just weren't engaged.
And so that in my veteran yearsof teaching just has constantly
been what am I missing?
What am I missing?
And this opportunity of Ignitestarted came to be about five
(09:57):
years ago and I actually had nointention of joining Ignite
Pathways.
I was pursuing another avenuein education, just to get a
second master's degree, and in aconversation it pivoted and I
ended up attending a meeting,going to learn about this new
approach to education throughthis Ignite Pathways that was
(10:19):
going to be built.
And from that point on that'show my journey started.
And once I started in this roleand started learning more about
the career in tech ed andrealizing that education can be
delivered differently for kiddos, it all made sense to me as a
teacher and I thought this iswhat classroom teachers are
(10:39):
missing.
They work so hard, they care somuch, but we just have to lean
into our kids a little bit more.
And I do truly believe thatcareer exploration is a path
that we can meet all kids.
And the sooner we can do that, Ithink, the more impactful it
can be in their lives.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
I love that.
I mean talk about a pathway foryou as well, and you know,
mentioning that, one question Ialways like to ask is that I'm
really interested in the IgnitePathways brand, and I'm assuming
it was formed before you camein.
It was.
Kid Glove does a lot ofbranding work and I'm just
curious what does that brandmean to you?
(11:19):
Because it's a reallyinteresting name.
What does that brand mean toyou?
Speaker 1 (11:22):
Because it's a really interesting name.
Yes, and it was establishedbefore I came on board with the
team, but IGNITE it's allcapitalized, so it's an acronym
that stands for Inspiring Growth, navigating Individuals and
Transforming Education.
Speaker 3 (11:39):
Nice.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
And then they tagged that Pathways on there, just
because we don't want to limitour pathways to just a handful
and that's why we really striveto create experiences that kids
are passionate about orinterested in.
Hence the new dental class andthe new social work class, just
really trying to provide as manyopportunities as we can in
different pathways for kids thatwe serve.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
Absolutely, michelle.
I was just talking to somebodywho is in our Brand Impact
Accelerator class at KidGlovethat helps professionals learn
about branding and we weretalking about how typically we
recommend against the use ofacronyms, because if you just
call yourself, you know ABC, youkind of lose the meaning.
(12:26):
But this acronym is so clever,of IGNITE, I mean it really to
me.
It really to me says you aresparking the passion of someone
and leading them down the pathto make that a career, which I
think is really, really someaningful in what you're doing.
So well done there, whoeverworked on that.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Yes, I will pass that on to the team.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
Thank, you All right, Absolutely so I'm curious
what's ahead for Ignite Pathways.
I know you're talking to agroup from Oregon tonight, but
are there any exciting programsor developments on the horizon
that you'd like to share?
Speaker 1 (13:04):
Yes, actually, this coming year this 2526, we are
launching a new program atIgnite called Career Adventure
Days and I referenced this alittle bit earlier as we were
visiting about that early careerexploration for kids.
Yeah and yeah.
So what we're doing is we aregoing to be opening up our
(13:28):
building and it's a 45,000square foot building.
We have multiple opportunitiesfor students to explore on
simulators, real world equipment.
Yeah, what we want to do isopen our building up to school
districts in the region.
They can bring their kids inhere for a field trip experience
(13:49):
and try out.
So for two and a half hours thekids can fly the aviation
simulators, drive the heavyequipment sims, try out our
healthcare lab and really get ahands-on approach to what
careers are interesting to themand where they may see
themselves go in the future.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
What a great experience.
My next question for you andI'm guessing this is where we
can get information on thatprogram as well, but for our
listeners who would like tolearn more, where can they find
out more about Ignite Pathwaysand the career adventure days
that are coming up this year?
Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (14:28):
We have a website and it is ignite-pathwayscom.
All right, on that website wehave a section for students, or
current students or studentsthat are maybe looking into
Ignite classes to see what mightinterest them.
There's a section for educatorsand those educators across the
(14:51):
country if they would beinterested in learning more
about our program.
And then our another tab upthere is Career Adventure Days
and there are resources there toshare with educators and also
parents about opportunities fortheir kids.
Speaker 3 (15:05):
Fantastic, we will for anybody who's listening
while driving or running ordoing all the things that people
do while listening to podcasts.
We will get that website linkin the show notes on the
KidGlove site as well, so peoplecan check that out.
So, michelle, what advice wouldyou give then, to educators or
parents, or even students thatare maybe rethinking learning
(15:28):
and career prep?
Speaker 1 (15:32):
I would say don't be afraid to do things differently.
And this whole process has beenmessy there's no playbook which
has made it challenging attimes, but also exciting,
because we really are.
We're the authors of this andwe are painting this picture,
(15:53):
and what we love the most is wecan personalize these
experiences for our kids.
Speaker 3 (15:57):
That's fantastic.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
So they're able to just explore and see.
I would say just to parents,educators and students don't be
afraid to do things differentlyor try something new, because
you don't know what door wouldopen.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
Such great advice.
So, michelle, all of ourlisteners on Agency for Change
know that I am motivated byinspirational quotes and I am
hoping you can give us aMichelle Berry inspirational
quote.
Get this to ignite ourlisteners.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
Yes, and as I think about this, there are many, but
really, truly, what you saidabout our, just our brand.
I go back to that and my quotewould be spark curiosity and the
learning will follow.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
And.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
I think that's true for our team just our journey to
get where we are with IgnitePathways but also for students.
Spark that curiosity and thenlet them go, let them learn and
let them lead and support themalong the way.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
That is beautiful, michelle Spark.
Curiosity and learning willfollow.
I love that and it's very brandappropriate which I appreciate
as well.
Michelle, as we wrap up ourtime together today, what is the
most important thing you wouldlike our listeners to remember
about the work that you're doing?
Speaker 1 (17:22):
The most important piece that I hope listeners hear
is that education can betransformed.
But, more importantly, Ibelieve we are in a space where
it should be transformed, and ifwe look at industries across
all areas, they are transforming.
Look at the changes intechnology and how they are
(17:43):
delivering services to people,but education in some ways has
been the same as it's been for ahundred years, and at Ignite we
are proving that we can connectthis learning to real world
experiences, to passions thatstudents have, and we have
results that are showing that itis impacting lives, not only
(18:07):
our students, but alsobusinesses, the business
partners we're able to connectwith.
It's really helping them aswell.
Speaker 3 (18:12):
Michelle, I can certainly hear your passion for
this work and I'm sure ourlisteners can as well.
I have loved this conversationtoday and I just want to say I
fully believe the world needsmore people like you, more
programs like Ignite Pathways.
Thank you for taking time toshare with us to share with us.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Yes, well, I very much appreciate your time and
having me on.
If anybody has questions orwould like more information,
they're always welcome to reachout and we'd be happy to help in
any way we can.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
That's fantastic.
Once again, we will get thatwebsite in the show notes for
everyone so you can jump in andcheck that out.
Thanks so much, Michelle.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
Thanks, lynn, I appreciate it.
Have a great day.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
We hope you enjoyed today's Agency for Change
podcast To hear all ourinterviews with those who are
making a positive change in ourcommunities or to nominate a
changemaker you'd love to hearfrom.
Visit kidglovecom atK-I-D-G-L-O-Vcom to get in touch
, as always.
If you like what you've heardtoday, be sure to rate, review,
subscribe and share.
(19:17):
Thanks for listening and we'llsee you next time.
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