IGNITE Your Future
IGNITE is a tuition-free workforce development program expanding access to career-connected learning. Participants build technical, creative, and transferable skills through structured, project-based, real-world experiences.
Participants don’t just learn. They build, test, create, and grow.
A Real-World Workspace
IGNITE operates within an active training environment where participants:
- Work on real projects
- Use professional tools and equipment
- Explore technical and creative pathways
- Learn by doing
- Take on leadership roles inside and outside the program
One Program. One Pathway.
IGNITE supports participants as they progress from early exploration and foundational skill-building to advanced projects, workforce preparation, internships, and leadership opportunities.
Phase 1: IGNITE Explorers
Ages 13–15
Early exploration and confidence-building through hands-on learning and guided support.
- Explore and build new skills
- Participate in guided workshops and structured experiences
- Gain exposure to automotive, design, and career pathways
- Build foundational skills to support informed pathway decisions
Phase 2: IGNITE Academy
Ages 16–20
Participants choose between a flexible, ongoing skill-building experience and a more structured pathway focused on workforce readiness.
Flex Pathway
- Build skills at their own pace
- Participate in workshops and project-based learning
- Engage through a flexible, low-pressure format
Workforce Pathway
- Complete a capstone project with real-world application
- Participate in internships and partner experiences
- Develop skills aligned with career and workforce readiness
What Participants Do
IGNITE participants have opportunities to:
Work with real tools and materials
Explore how mechanical and technical systems function
Complete hands-on projects that reinforce skill development
Collaborate with peers, mentors, and industry professionals
Build confidence through applied experience
Develop leadership, communication, and workforce-readiness skills
Access skill-building, networking, and career-exposure opportunities
Program Impact
77
participants actively engaged
in IGNITE’s career-connected learning and workforce development pipeline
20+
industry and employer partners
providing mentorship, hands-on learning, and career pathway exposure
50
schools represented
including Title I, alternative, and homeschool communities
6+
participants hired
since the program began
600+
hours
of real-world experience
Skill-building, networking, and career-exposure opportunities offered annually
IGNITE Community Collaborators
IGNITE Interest Form
Complete the form below to join our interest list. The interest list is available year-round and prospective participants will receive an email from an official @sdautomuseum.org email address with information during the next enrollment period.