The Ignite bus, a full-size school bus funded by Durango Education Foundation and retrofitted by local company Wanderful Wheels, will travel to schools and community sites to offer free, standards-aligned learning experiences during the school day, after school and in the summer. The program is designed to expand access, remove transportation barriers and engage students through experiential learning.
“It’s everything that supports STEAM, and we want to get our kids excited at a young age,” said DSD Superintendent Dr. Karen Cheser.
Rather than sending students on traditional field trips, the Ignite bus will bring equipment, curriculum and instructional support directly to schools – an approach that is more cost-effective and equitable for schools that are not in city limits. “The field trip is actually coming to the school,” said Cheser.
District leaders cited research showing that early STEAM exposure strengthens problem-solving, spatial reasoning and executive function, with long-term academic and economic benefits. Experts say by age 10 many children have already formed beliefs about who is “good at” science and technology. “Especially for girls and students from underrepresented populations, we want to change that entire trajectory,” said Cheser.
DSD teachers and students were included in the Ignite planning committee. They said the Ignite bus will support classroom instruction while expanding opportunities across schools.
“This allows us to stretch our means and put resources into a common place instead of trying to put resources into every single school,” said Hannah Squire, a teacher at Animas Valley Elementary School. “If kids only think about science as tables and charts, it’s not going to be fun.”
The Ignite Bus will rotate through schools during the academic year and operate several days a week during the summer. Programming will feature changing themes, such as space, ecosystems, and engineering, with equipment and learning kits aligned to district standards.
Students on the committee emphasized the importance of access and choice. “This gives kids a chance to try something and realize they actually enjoy it,” one student said.
Funding for the Ignite bus combines DEF foundation reserves, grants and existing resources, allowing the program to expand opportunities without impacting the district’s budget. The Ignite Bus is expected to begin service this summer, with expanded use planned during the upcoming school year.