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Tech Trek is a California AAUW activity that offers 7 th grade girls a one-week residential math, science, and technology summer camp on a university campus. It provides a fun and supportive environment for girls to explore and expand their interests in these areas, with hands-on activities, projects, and field trips led by experienced teachers and guest presenters. AAUW programs like Tech Trek Science Camp for Girls are changing the status quo across the country. Connecting young women with like minded peers and mentors has a powerful effect on the lives and career choices of future generations. In fact survey results of girls who had participated show that AAUW Tech Trek had been the most influential personal or academic experience of their middle school years. An overwhelming 96% of our Tech Trek girls are currently enrolled in college, and all credit Tech Trek for encouraging interest and increasing confidence in their ability to succeed in math and science areas.
The impact of this camp can best be conveyed through the comments of girls who have attended: “Tech Trek wasn't just a stepping stone along the path of my life, for me it was more like a bridge.” “I thought I was alone in the subjects and things that interested me. Given the opportunity to attend Tech Trek showed me that I wasn’t alone. It allowed me to be more comfortable with myself and to be proud about who I am as an individual.” “Tech Trek Science Camp was especially important to me because as the child of an underprivileged family, I have had very few opportunities to learn in such a hands-on fashion and with such vibrant instructors as well as students.” A final evaluation leaves no doubt of the enormous influence of this program: “I left Tech Trek with a spirit and attitude of self confidence. But it was more than just self confidence, I held within me a firm knowledge of knowing I can make it! No matter where I go, who I’m with, or what I am doing, I can and will succeed. To this day, I face every situation in my life like I faced the first day of camp….Tech Trek taught me many things, but above all Tech Trek taught me to try! Attempt, endeavor, conquer, seize, make the most of, make an effort, take a crack at, have a go, TRY!” March 2009 – Tech Trek At a congratulatory tea, the AAUW SCV Branch honored the 10 young women they had chosen from Santa Clarita area junior high schools to attend the 2009 Tech Trek Science Camp for girls. The honorees were nominated by their math and science teachers, wrote essays and participated in interviews conducted by the AAUW Tech Trek Committee to determine scholarship recipients. The girls will attend either Whittier College or Cal State Fresno.
AAUW thanks the many members and volunteers who contributed to the event and to the following for their support for the 2009 Tech Trek program: Thank you to our supporters Areté Associates |
