IGNITE (Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Innovation, and Teaching Empowerment)

Project Theme: Under-Resourced STEM Access

Years in Existence: 3

Target Audience and Location: Middle school students exhibiting low STEM scores in Patchogue-Medford School District.

Mission: To nurture middle school students’ passion for STEM learning by providing near-peer mentorship and interactive educational activities.

Project Description: Founded by Scholar Rithika Sivapokaran and educator Emily Rhome, this project combines STEM education with social-emotional learning through a peer mentorship program connecting middle and high school students. This year, the team is exploring new partnerships to expand its impact, including potential collaborations with the Patchogue-Medford Library and the Peer Excellence Initiative Club. Through these efforts, they aim to extend tutoring support to younger students and better prepare participants for key academic transitions.