STEM After School Programs

For Grades 5-12

Current STEM Programs

Mission: Ignite’s education programs are grounded in experiential learning with a heavy emphasis on technology and serving low-income and underserved students. We teach students the skills they need to succeed in future STEM careers. Current programs include:

Why STEM?

In the 21st Century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past. Our STEM programs primarily serve Buffalo’s high-needs populations, with the aim of creating digital equity for our diverse Buffalo populations.

Past Programs

WNY Brain Challenge

WNY Brain Challenge is Mission: Ignite's annual STEM competition, bringing together Buffalo students to solve engineering challenges. Students compete to design Rube Goldberg machines based around a theme - the more creative, the better!

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Runway Robots

Aimed at students grades 5-6, Runaway Robots is a 9-week class focused on the intersection of fashion and technology. The program consists of robotics programming and competition courses to instill healthy living and social and emotional health.

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Summer Smart

Summer Smart is a 5-week STEM activity challenge for kids and their parents/families. The program includes a simple curriculum guide to follow where kids and their families use their cell phone to create videos or photo collages based on the guiding STEM principles.

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STEM Nexus

A blended learning system equipping teachers and students alike to interact online and/or in-person with STEM content. The program includes a menu of prepared STEM kits, engaging curriculum and research-based evaluation of ongoing programs. 

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WNY Brain Challenge

WNY Brain Challenge is Mission: Ignite's annual STEM competition, bringing together Buffalo students to solve engineering challenges. Students compete to design Rube Goldberg machines based around a theme - the more creative, the better!

Find Out More

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