Our Story

DESIGNED FOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

For many years, World Vision has had a connection to Christian education, offering curriculum and speakers. But in 2018 we wrestled with a Holy Spirit-inspired idea: what if our relationship with Christian education could grow deeper? The story of Ignite begins when we prayerfully reimagined a goal of becoming mutually beneficial to both U.S. students and those World Vision serves in the developing world. Ignite was born out of the desire to provide opportunities in Christian schools for service learning, missions, global engagement, and leadership.  

OPTIMIZING THROUGH CO-CREATION

Coupled with market analysis, the World Vision team came alongside both school leaders and Christian educators. Out of research and listening, World Vision designed the Ignite school partnership, with curriculum, engaging experiences, and real relationships. The suite of Ignite curriculum was co-created with World Vision by a diverse team of Christian educators across the United States and Canada.  

ROOTED IN JESUS

To follow Christ is to be in relationship with Christ, so the story of God’s faithfulness and our call to serve is woven throughout the Ignite experience. In a world that can ignore hurting people, we invite students to reflect the light of Jesus in dark places.

TRANSFORMING LIVES AND EMPOWERING PEOPLE

With programming developed by Christian educators and humanitarian experts, World Vision Ignite provides U.S. students a new way to understand how to share God’s love and make positive change that lasts.  

IMPACT FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

We try to practice what we preach, seeking to have the mindset of learners. To this day, leaders at Ignite partner schools give real-time feedback as we continue to optimize the Ignite program. Over the last few years, we’ve collaborated with Christian schools to host in-person and virtual advocacy events, equipping students to speak with legislators about policies that impact poor and vulnerable people.

A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT

Successful graduates who take to heart the World Vision Ignite experience will undoubtedly have great stories for college applications. We’ve seen Ignite students have transformational experiences, going on to focus their studies and careers in significantly different ways than planned. But regardless of winning a scholarship or accolades for their good deeds, we pray students will see embodying God’s love as a lifelong journey, not a sprint to be completed in school. Ignite helps equip believers with a foundation and mission mindset as they embark on the race ahead. 

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27