Our History

Ignited was founded in 1985 by 13 Silicon Valley CEOs and UC Berkeley. Originally named Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME), the founding team focused on teachers and supporting their critical role in improving math and science skills. As the education and corporate worlds increased their focus on STEM over the years, the Ignited team created thousands of experiences that transformed how teachers see companies, understand STEM in the workplace, and teach these critical skills to their students.

Over more than three decades, that initial mission continues.

Ignited provides unique professional development opportunities for teachers, company employees, university researchers, and nonprofits. Teams work together on real projects. Companies get the benefit of rewarding development experiences for their employees. University researchers help grow the next generation of STEM talent. And, teachers work on summer projects at companies, universities, and nonprofits that build a greater understanding of core skills and cool technologies that they can share with their students.