The very first Hope Ignites Silicon Valley Immersion STEAM + Business Camp took place last week in Santa Clara, CA.
The week-long STEAM + Business camp gathered 28 rising 9th through 11th grade scholars from across the Network to inspire and expose them to new career path possibilities, learn from tech experts and leaders, and to reflect on how their purpose and passion can intersect with STEAM and Business to solve real-world problems. The scholars were also joined by three alumni and seven collegians, all of whom are part of the Hope Ignites World Wide Technology Scholars program, a partnership with World Wide Technology that provides 25 exceptional scholars access to scholarships, internships, and leadership development opportunities in STEM.
Taking place from July 21–25 at Santa Clara University, it brought together scholars for a dynamic week of exploration, connection, and innovation.
Monday kicked off with scholars arriving at Santa Clara University, eager for the week ahead. After settling into Graham Hall, they attended a welcome and orientation session that emphasized connection, opportunity, and purpose through innovation and technology.
A highlight of the evening was a virtual conversation with Bob Olwig, Executive Vice President at World Wide Technology, Lucas Pinzon, Executive Director of Esperanza Juvenil, and Flora, a Guatemalan high school student. Together, they spoke about how AI is expanding access to education. Scholars then enjoyed a welcome dinner and broke the ice with group games.
Tuesday began with a campus tour, led by Lorenzo Gamboa, the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Santa Clara University. While the scholars were touring campus, the World Wide Technology Scholars participated in a special networking session led by alumna Anissa Gilbert (Pittsburgh). Later, all scholars and collegians gathered for Pathways & Passions, a panel featuring Hope Ignites alumni working in STEM, the arts, and business. Their stories underscored that success takes many forms when passion meets purpose. The panelists were Medan Memo (Colorado), Ruva Chimusoro (Cincinnati), Armonium Tsegaye (Colorado), and Brijhette Farmer (St. Louis).
They also heard from Kevin Kraver of the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, who shared how Santa Clara is supporting tech-driven ventures for global good.
The day ended with a hands-on cybersecurity challenge hosted by World Wide Technology, followed by a high-energy evening at Beat the Lock Escape Room, testing teamwork and creative thinking.
Hope Ignites President and CEO Kristin Ostby on stage with Great Place to Work CEO, Michael Bush, during a talk and Q&A for scholars.
Wednesday opened with a conversation between Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, and Hope Ignites CEO and President Kristin Ostby, titled Culture Starts with You: Teamwork, Leadership, and Impact. Bush and Ostby spoke about what employers are looking for in new hires and what values they can bring to the workplace, how to stay informed in a world of social media, clickbait headlines and fake news, and how scholars can bring values like grit, perseverance, and new cultural perspectives to the workplace. Scholars truly appreciated the chance to ask questions and speak with Bush one on one afterward.
Later, scholars, collegians, and students from KIPP Navigate, Cristo Rey San Jose, and Breakthrough Silicon Valley took part in the Innovators for Impact Design Sprint . Teams developed pitches for mission-driven enterprises addressing challenges like education gaps, food waste, healthcare access, and recycling inefficiencies. With guidance from professionals at World Wide Technology and Siemens Healthineers, teams refined their ideas before presenting to a panel of judges. Winning teams were recognized after deliberation.
Scholars and collegians visited the Tarana Wireless Headquarters.
The day concluded with a two-part Networking Night. First, five Edward Jones financial advisors taught scholars how to navigate professional events and build meaningful connections. Scholars then put their skills into practice at a larger gathering with alumni, supporters, and business leaders from Silicon Valley. Collegian Becky Molina (Hope Ignites Phoenix) shared her journey, followed by Greg Scruggs, NFL coach and Hope Ignites Cincinnati alum, who spoke about how the program transformed his life through the magic of exposure to new experiences.
Thursday was a day of off-campus exploration. The group toured the Intel Museum, learning about the origins of U.S. microchip manufacturing and Intel’s role in shaping modern computing. Next was a visit to Google’s Mountain View campus for a scenic walk and lunch. Then, at Tarana Wireless, CEO Basil Alwan and his team showcased their cutting-edge fixed wireless technology and discussed career readiness and workplace values with scholars.
The final stop was Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, where scholars got an exclusive stadium tour and listened to a panel of 49ers staff who spoke about diverse career paths in athletics and how to find your place in sports, regardless of your background. Scruggs shared how the Hope Ignites program led him from scholar to NFL player and coach, which was a true highlight of the week.
After dinner, scholars reflected in a closing Glow and Grow session, sharing insights from the week and envisioning their futures, and the impact they hope to make.
Kathland, a Hope Ignites New Orleans scholar, together with Natasha Nanda Bhave and Kristin Ostby, Hope Ignites President and CEO during the Networking Night. The Nanda Family Foundation was one of the Silicon Valley Immersion STEAM + Business camp’s sponsors.
Author
Martin Totland is the Media and Communications Coordinator for Hope Ignites Network Headquarters.
