Tech Trek Science and Math Camp for Girls
The Tech Trek Mission
AAUW Tech Trek, founded in 1998, is designed to help girls continue their interests in science, math, engineering, and technology (STEM) exploration and learning, through the tricky years when new distractions enter their lives. Studies have shown that girls' interests can be sustained if they are exposed to the careers available to women in science today. Tech Trek provides some of that exposure. We hope they will consider entering the STEM fields which are currently under-represented by women. See "Why So Few," a recent AAUW study.
Since the first camp at Stanford in 1998, AAUW-OML has sent almost fifty Lamorinda middle school girls to Tech Trek camp. All were first nominated by their science or math teachers; they completed the application process, wrote a personal essay, and were interviewed by a panel of three members of AAUW-OML. AAUW-CA research has shown that many Tech Trekkers have continued their studies in science and medicine in college, and the early campers are now pursuing their career goals in the STEM fields.
Attendees of the 2011 Tech Trek Grace Hopper Camp at Stanford University, pictured below:
OML's Tech Trek Scholarship Program
Tech Trek is a week-long science and math camp designed to develop interest, excitement, and self-confidence in young women who will enter eighth grade in the fall. They get to meet women in science and engineering fields and experience the excitement of science and math. The program features hands-on activities in math, science, and related fields. All sleeping, eating, instructional, and recreational facilities are located on the university campus where the camp is held.
The competition for these scholarships is intense. Science and math teachers at the local middle schools are allowed to nominate only five girls each. Candidates are required to complete the application, write an essay about their interests, and participate in an in-person interview with a panel of three AAUW members. Out of the twenty-five seventh grade girls nominated in 2011 from the Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda area, five outstanding girls were chosen for Tech Trek camp. All girls who attend Tech Trek camps must win scholarships provided by AAUW.
Tech Trek on CBS News
Watch network news coverage of the 2011 Tech Trek camps at UC Irvine and Stanford Camp Grace Hopper.
Why Invest in Tech Trek?
Studies have shown that 68% of both boys and girls in fourth grade are naturally interested in science. But by eighth grade, this interest has dropped dramatically, especially for the girls. That is why we feel it is important to support girls interested in science during the middle school years and to encourage them to continue their studies in science and math throughout high school and into college. Many former Tech Trekkers, now in college or working, have told us that Tech Trek was one of the most influential personal or academic experiences of their middle school years.
Tech Trek Girls Thank AAUW-OML
Excerpts from the thank you letters we received from our 2011 Tech Trek Winners follow:
"Thank you so much for this life-changing experience. ...In my core class, Food Chemistry, we blended a McDonald's Happy Meal and tested it to see what was really in it. The class results were enough to make everyone rethink our diets and the way we fuel our bodies. ...Tech Trek is something I will never forget and will always remember as one of the best experiences of my life. I could not thank you enough." (Caiseen)
"The dorm life, professional woman's night, and the core classes have been so exciting. ...The dorm life has been even better than I expected. My roommate is really nice, and I plan on staying in touch with her." (Sophia)
"I have loved the experience of meeting new people with the same passion as me. ...I have really enjoyed my core class of Brain Training...and having professional women coming and speaking to us about their professions. Thank you so much for this unforgettable opportunity." (Tess)
Questions?
Contact the AAUW-OML Tech Trek Chair or call (925) 631-0668 for more information. We appreciate AAUW members joining the Tech Trek Committee and assisting with middle school liaison work; the nomination and application process; encouraging families to support the Tech Trek nominees and program; interviewing applicants; planning the awards meeting; or writing articles about Tech Trek. In addition, we applaud all the support members provide for our annual Tech Trek fundraiser, the Restaurant Walk.