Tech Trek: STEM Camp For Middle School Girls
Tech Trek is an AAUW California sponsored STEM camp designed to develop interest, excitement and self-confidence in young women who will enter eighth grade in the fall. Branches raise funds to cover the cost of each girl’s attendance and select attendees from local public schools. Students from around the country attend camp on one of several college campuses. AAUW Morgan Hill has been sending girls to Tech Trek camp for over two decades.
What Do Girls Do At Tech Trek?
Each student selects a core interest class in addition to participating in a variety of math, science and technology activities which include:
Hands-on build it yourself tech projects
Interactive workshops
Presentations by and discussions with women in science or math careers
Core classes involving practical applications include computer coding, cyber security, aerospace engineering, forensics, marine biology and robotics
Who Can Attend Tech Trek?
We are seeking girls with a strong interest in science, mathematics, and technology. Students who can follow directions, enjoy new settings and people, and work well in groups are great candidates.
Twelve campers participated in our 2021 virtual camp. These six campers presented at our 2021 fall membership lunch.
What is the Selection Process?
In the spring, we contact middle school math and science teachers and ask them to nominate potential campers. Once nominated, the girls fill out a questionnaire and write a short essay. An AAUW member panel interviews semi-finalists and meets with parents to answer questions. Finalists are then selected and notified.
What is the Commitment of My Student if She is Selected?
Selected students will attend a one week camp in summer, starting Sunday afternoon and ending the following Friday. In addition, we ask campers to volunteer at our annual Wildflower Run (held in late March or early April). The Wildflower Run is our local fundraiser, enabling us to send students to Tech Trek. Finally, we ask our campers to give a brief presentation about what they learned at our annual Membership Brunch in September (parents are also invited).
How Can I Find Out More About Tech Trek?
Read a Tech Trek brochure.
Read Igniting the Spark, complete survey results of the impact of Tech Trek on past campers.
Watch a 3 minute video of a former Tech Trek camper here.
Contact the AAUW Morgan Hill Tech Trek Coordinator at techtrek@aauwmh.org