Ignition is a transition and mentorship program that is implemented in high schools across the United States. The program was developed and trademarked by Focus Training, a leadership development company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The goal of Ignition is to build student relationships and make transition from middle school to high school a positive experience for students, administrators, and teachers. The program utilizes upperclassmen to act as mentors to incoming freshmen for the entire 9th grade school year. Mentors help freshmen acclimate to the high school environment, deal with the challenges of the new school, and learn successful behaviors. As of 2010 the Ignition program is implemented at over 220 schools nationwide and serves over 100,000 students and educators.
Ignition Stages
Step 1 Consult - Professional Development, Training and Consulting for Staff.
FOCUS Training works with a team of educators to build a program that fits each school’s needs by considering mentor recruitment, time, space, budget, class size, related program and learning objectives. This stage teaches Ignition advisors how to run each aspect of the program.
Step 2 Synergize – Professional Development and Organizational Structure for Mentors.
At this phase recruited Ignition mentors learn how to do their job by developing leadership skills, understanding how to manage the organization, and planning for a full year of mentorship and activities. At the conclusion of this day committees have formed, and each committee has several well developed goals to guide their efforts in preparation the first day.
Step 3 Train – Facilitation Training for Mentors and Preparation for Orientation.
Mentors learn how to facilitate the low ropes course activities and manage all aspects of the Ignite and Fuel activities. Mentors learn how to provide safe, interactive, and educational training for their team of new students.
Step 4 Ignite – Orientation Day.
The first day of school which presents new freshmen with an exciting introduction to high school. Students undergo various team building activities including: an adventure course, large group activities, a mock schedule, and an assembly.
Step 5 Fuel – Comprehensive Social and Academic Skill Curriculum.
This year-long curriculum includes 60 teaching guides and supporting documentation that help mentors facilitate small group activities and discussions about topics that affect new students. These include: study habits, involvement, respect, exams, career exploration, healthy choices, test taking, tolerance and bullying, body image, and more. Mentors meet with new students two to four times per month.
Step 6 Refresh – Ongoing training for mentors and preparation for next year.
In this stage Ignition Advisors and mentors work out any first semester challenges and continue to improve the program overall. It is a time for mentors to sharpen their facilitation skills and prepare for successful Fuel activities for the second semester. All preparations for next year will also be organized.