Ignite Academy

05/25/2026

🔥 Congratulations to our Ignite Academy Workforce students on completing this cohort!

Over the past several weeks, these students have put in the work learning automotive, construction, financial literacy, leadership, and real-world life skills. More importantly, we’ve watched their confidence grow week by week.

A special shoutout to our seniors, Remi and Trevor, as they step into this next chapter of life. We are proud of you both and excited to see where life takes you next.

Keep showing up. Keep growing. Keep believing in what’s possible. 👏🔥

05/25/2026

Today we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. 🇺🇸

At Ignite Academy, we are thankful for the sacrifice, courage, and service of those who made it possible for us to live, lead, and pursue purpose freely.

As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, may we never forget those who gave everything for our country. ❤️🤍💙

05/19/2026

Thankful for amazing partnerships who believe in our students! 🤍🔥

📣 Grant Announcement: Ignite Academy Receives $10,000 Grant for Mobile Welding Workforce Initiative

We are proud to announce a $10,000 grant to Ignite Academy during the 2026 Spring Grant Cycle through the Defiance County Capital Projects Fund, under our umbrella..

This funding will support Ignite Academy’s new Mobile Welding Workforce Initiative, created to address the growing demand for skilled welders across Defiance County and Northwest Ohio.

Through portable mobile welding units, Ignite Academy will bring hands-on welding training directly into schools, businesses, and community settings. Students will gain early exposure to welding skills, safety practices, and career pathways, helping build a stronger local workforce for the future.

By making technical education more accessible and engaging, this initiative creates opportunities for students to explore high-demand careers while strengthening the talent pipeline for local industries.

The Defiance Area Foundation is honored to support projects that invest in education, workforce development, and the future of our community.

04/21/2026

Not every lesson happens in the shop.

This week, our students got a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes in the roofing industry—and more importantly, what it takes to build something that lasts.

Huge thank you to Buckeye Roofing & Exteriors for opening your doors, sharing real insight, and showing our students what it looks like to do business with purpose.

Our students walked away with more than knowledge… they walked away with perspective.

Opportunities like this matter. Exposure matters. Conversations like this stick.

Grateful for businesses who invest in the next generation. 🔥

04/05/2026

The story didn’t end at the cross.

It didn’t end in defeat.
It didn’t end in darkness.

It ended in resurrection.

And that changes everything.

Happy Easter 🕊️

03/29/2026

We’re halfway through our Workforce Program 🔥

Over the past few weeks, our students have been getting their hands dirty learning real automotive skills, everything from oil changes and brakes to water pumps and everything in between… and we even snuck in a little welding 👀🔥

But it’s been more than just learning how to fix cars…

It’s been about building confidence, problem-solving, and realizing “I can actually do this.”

We’ve watched students go from unsure to stepping up, asking questions, and taking ownership.

And we’re just getting started.

Next up → Construction 🛠️
New skills. New challenges. More growth.

Proud of these students and the work they’re putting in every single day. The future is being built right here.

02/23/2026

Today our students stepped inside Keller Trucking’s shop — and the scale was incredible.

With 400 trucks, 1,400 trailers, and 45 trucks moving through the shop every day, it takes skill, precision, and serious teamwork to keep everything safely on the road.

We’re grateful to Keller Trucking for giving our students a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to keep America moving.

Exposure creates vision. Vision builds futures.

Thank you for investing in the next generation.

02/13/2026

Ignite Academy
More than a program.
People in their corner.

02/03/2026

✨ UNWRITTEN ✨
A guided workshop for teens and young adults

UNWRITTEN is a structured, age-appropriate experience designed to help students build confidence, reflect on their story, and gain clarity about who they are and where they’re headed.

✔️ Safe, guided environment
✔️ No pressure to share
✔️ Focused on purpose, strengths, and next steps

This is a space to grow.

👥 Ages 14+ (workshops are split by age group)
📍 Ignite Academy
25288 Elliott Rd
Defiance OH 43512

👉 Registration required. Spots are limited. Register below!

https://forms.gle/x4uNMzjKoNfhxgwS7

01/25/2026

While many of us are able to stay warm inside today, there are people out working through this snowstorm to keep our community moving and safe. ❄️

Thank you to the plow drivers and essential workers who continue to show up in all conditions. Your dedication helps protect our neighbors, our students, and our community — and we’re truly grateful.