Tech Trek
The Atascadero AAUW Branch raises funds to provide scholarships for girls to attend Tech Trek during the summer. Students attend this STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) camp for one week at a college, usually University of California at Santa Barbara, in the summer between 7th & 8th grades.
What is Tech Trek?
Tech Trek is an engaging one-week summer camp for girls, featuring hands-on science and technology classes, a fun and educational field trip, opportunities to meet inspiring women role models, and a unique college campus experience. The 2024 residential camp at University of California Santa Cruz offered core classes in marine ecosystems, math, physics and coding. The camp experience concluded with a team project that used all four of these core classes. A week’s stay on a college campus, living in dorm rooms, hearing fronm and having a great time with new friends—all of these experiences help girls picture themselves on a college campus in the future.
Why Tech Trek?
Middle school years are a critical time for removing stereotypes about girls’ abilities and for building a positive self-assessment. Created for girls entering eighth grade in the fall, Tech Trek offers an alternative during the years when girls need encouragement. Through hands-on problem solving, campers engage in team activities that build their scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. They also meet and interact with women in STEM careers who serve as role models. These experiences stimulate campers to develop their interest in STEM and pursue careers in this field.
Tech Trek Testimonials...
From Tech Trek campers:
“The entire week was packed with fun activities. We even got to create our own games in coding core group. . . I especially loved all the teachers who were really kind and funny, while also challenging us.”
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“We’ve done so many things this week but some that stood out were seeing dolphins, the boat ride, learning a lot, a hilarious math night, liquid nitrogen experiments, and making a lot of friends.”
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From parents:
“Your daughter should go! She will learn valuable skills and gain a lot of confidence. She will also realize that it’s cool for girls to like science.”
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“Any young lady with the opportunity to attend Tech Trek should absolutely go. It is an enriching, positive, once-in-a- lifetime experience that builds confidence, encourages critical thinking, and offers exposure to scientific fields that won’t be found in a traditional curriculum.”
