With limited resources, how can we provide state-of-the-art experiences for all of our students in STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics?
In 2025-26, a group of students, educators, and community supporters put their heads together. The dream became a reality: A magical makeover for an old school bus. A field trip-meets-science museum on wheels. The thrill of a neighborhood ice cream truck, only with microscopes, drones, free books, and 3D printers.
The spark behind Ignite was a unique partnership between Durango School District (DSD) and Durango Education Foundation (DEF). Funding from generous local donors demonstrates what is possible when schools and the community invest together in students.
Starting in the summer of 2026, we’re proud to launch Ignite Mobile Learning Lab: A mobile classroom in a converted DSD school bus. We are going full-STEAM ahead in offering innovative technology and creative learning directly to DSD students in rural La Plata County, Colorado.
Ignite Mobile Learning Lab
Mission
The Ignite Mobile Learning Lab expands access to high-quality STEAM learning by bringing engaging, hands-on educational experiences directly to students and families throughout Durango School District. Through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and efficient use of district resources, Ignite inspires curiosity, supports classroom learning, and ensures every student – regardless of where they live– has opportunities to explore, create, and succeed.
A year-round resource for DSD students
Summer learning that feels like play
During the summer months (June through early August), Ignite travels throughout La Plata County, bringing hands-on STEAM experiences directly to Durango School District students and families. Stops include DSD school sites, neighborhood gathering places, and outlying communities, making it easier for every child to access exciting learning opportunities close to home. In partnership with the district's Summer Food Service Program, Ignite also helps connect families with free take-home meal kits, while supplies last.
A field trip that comes to our schools
During the school year (late August through May), Ignite becomes an embedded instructional resource, rotating among Durango School District schools, including campuses outside the Durango city limits. The Ignite bus parks on site, and an Instructional Technology Specialist partners with teachers to transform the bus into an extension of the classroom.
Rather than students traveling to a field trip, the field trip comes to them.
Through hands-on exploration, students build creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while engaging with innovative technologies such as robotics, coding, engineering design, digital creation, and scientific investigation. Lessons are designed to complement classroom instruction and align with district curriculum.
Examples of learning experiences include:
- Habitats and ecosystems
- Water science
- Robotics and coding
- Weather and climate
- Chemistry
- Plants and animals
- Astronomy and meteor showers
- Environmental science
- Engineering design challenges
Community partnership makes Ignite possible
The Ignite Mobile Learning Lab is the result of a unique partnership between Durango School District (DSD) and Durango Education Foundation (DEF), demonstrating what is possible when schools and the community invest together in students.
While the district continues to navigate challenging budget realities, Ignite was made possible through grants, charitable contributions, and generous local business support coordinated by the Durango Education Foundation. This community-funded approach allowed the district to create an innovative learning resource without relying solely on district operating funds.
Rather than purchasing specialized STEAM equipment for individual schools, Ignite provides a shared mobile learning lab that travels throughout the district. This model maximizes community investment, expands access for students in every neighborhood and rural school, and ensures more learners can experience state-of-the-art technology and hands-on learning opportunities.
Business & Project Partners
Ignite would not have been possible without the expertise and generosity of these local partners:
- Durango School District Bus Barn Team – Bus renovation and mechanical improvements
- Wanderful Wheels (Patrick & Colleen O'Brien) – Interior design and custom retrofit
- Elements Media (Andy Bane, owner; Adjoa Hursey, designer) – Exterior bus wrap production
- Monica Louise Design (DSD alumna) – Exterior wrap refinement and interior donor recognition design
- Morgan Kraska and Durango High School Design Students – Original exterior design concept
- Superintendent's Student Advisory Council & Dr. Karen Cheser – Original interior design concept, project advocacy, and fundraising support
Lead Funding Partners
The Durango Education Foundation gratefully acknowledges the organizations and individuals whose generous contributions helped bring Ignite to life.
- 100 Women Who Care La Plata
- Bank of Colorado
- Bronson Family McDonald's
- Carol & Sean Cleary
- Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado
- Dalton Ranch Golf Club
- El Pomar Regional Council
- Hutton Broadcasting
- Joan Roberts-Ems & The Obleton Family
- La Plata Electric Association
- Lions Club of Durango
- Moniker Foundation
- Murphy Trust
- Roy & Gloria Dinsdale Foundation
- Summit Church
- Susan Carol Unser
Together, these partners have helped create a lasting educational resource that will inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation for thousands of Durango School District students in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate?
All Durango School District students and their families are welcome to participate.
What ages are appropriate?
Activities are designed for learners of all ages, from preschool through 12th grade. Programming is tailored to different age groups, so there will be something for everyone to explore.
Are all Ignite Mobile Learning Lab activities free?
Yes! Thanks to the generosity of grants, community partners, and donors through the Durango Education Foundation, all Ignite activities are offered free of charge.
Are the activities the same at every event?
No. Activities will change weekly throughout the summer, giving families new opportunities to explore different STEAM topics. During the school year, programming will also align with classroom curriculum and district learning goals.
Do families need to register, or can children drop in?
No registration is required. Families will simply sign in when they arrive. Drop-in participation is welcome!
Are any forms required?
Families will sign in and indicate which school their child attends. By participating, families acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by Durango School District and local media to highlight Ignite programs and student learning.
Can parents drop children off?
We ask that parents or guardians remain on site with children in preschool through fifth grade. Middle school and high school students may attend independently. Please note that Ignite is an enrichment program and cannot serve as summer childcare.
Are parents encouraged to stay and participate?
Absolutely! Ignite is designed to be a family learning experience, and parents, grandparents, and siblings are encouraged to participate alongside students.
How long are activities?
Ignite visits each location for approximately two hours, with activities available both inside and outside the bus. Please note that arrival times are approximate and may vary slightly due to travel or weather.
Does participation earn school credit or certificates?
No. Ignite is designed to provide fun, hands-on enrichment experiences. During the school year, many activities will reinforce and extend classroom learning through curriculum-aligned lessons.
Are there take-home kits or activities?
Equipment and supplies used on the bus remain with Ignite so they can be enjoyed by future participants. However, students may be able to take home projects they create during certain activities, and free books will be available while supplies last.
Are snacks or meals provided?
Snacks are not provided during bus visits. However, take-home meal kits may be available for families through the district's Summer Food Service Program while supplies last.
Are food and drinks allowed on the bus?
No. To help protect the specialized equipment and maintain a clean learning environment, please leave all food and drinks outside the bus.
Will my child be photographed or recorded on video while participating in Ignite activities?
Photos and videos may be taken during Ignite activities for use in district communications and local media. Participation indicates your consent.
Is Spanish interpretation available?
Yes. Spanish interpretation is available with advance notice. Please email [email protected] to request interpretation services.
What if the weather is bad?
Ignite programming may be adjusted or relocated due to severe weather. Please check the Durango School District website and social media channels for updates before attending an event.
Can I donate to support Ignite?
Yes! Community support helps Ignite continue to grow and reach more students. To make a donation or learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Durango Education Foundation at [email protected].
