Tech Trek

Science and Technology are too important for women to be less than fully represented. Tech Trek is one small step toward addressing the larger issue, but for the girls who participate, it can be life-changing. Tech Trek is a science and math camp designed to develop interest, excitement, and self-confidence in girls who will enter eighth grade in the fall. It features hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). All activities and lodging are located on a university campus where camps are held. Since 2021 we have also added a very successful virtual camp option.  Click here to learn more about Tech Trek from AAUW National.  Our Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch Tech Trek Campers come from the following six Middle Schools in the Danville, Alamo and Walnut Creek public school systems: Charlotte Wood (Danville), Diablo Vista (Danville), Foothill (Walnut Creek), Los Cerros (Danville), Stone Valley (Alamo), Walnut Creek Intermediate (Walnut Creek). Click here to learn about Tech Trek at the California State level. Here is a fun link to a video from one of the 2023 Sonoma camps.

2024 Tech Trek Volunteer Opportunities

This coming year DAW hopes once again to send girls to each of camp opportunities at Sonoma State, Fresno State, and Virtual Camp
We are looking for volunteers to support this popular and effective program.
1) Selection/Interview Teams – Starting February with wrap-up in March
2) Workshop Instructors – more information HERE
3) Professional Women’s panel at one or more camps
4) Dorm Mom
5) Ice Cream Social (1st or 2nd Sunday in June)
Please contact Lee Garverick, Tech Trek Co-Coordinator 2023-24, if you are interested or with any questions.

Donations

Please consider a tax-deductible donation to Tech Trek. The donation can come from an individual, business or company, or an AAUW Special Interest Group.

Please click the big green “Donate” button on the right side of this page for instructions on how to donate.

Thank you amazing DAW members! Please let your friends and acquaintances know about this opportunity to encourage local girls to pursue STEM education. Tech Trek is continuing proof that AAUW puts its mission to support equity and education for all women and girls into action.

Please contact us for more information.

STEM 2023 In-Person and Virtual Camps

by Deborah Wechsler, Tech Trek Chair 2022-23
(August, 2023) This past June and July we completed three in-person camps (2 at Sonoma and 1 at Fresno State) and one virtual Tech Trek camp. Our branch sent 15 7th-8th grade girls to camps this year. Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek also had several of our former Tech Trek participants and some of our members help out as virtual coaches and Junior Counselors.

Congratulations to the following girls who were nominated by their science and math teachers, went through our interviews and selection process, and were able to attend one of the camps in 2023:

  • Connie Cai, Walnut Creek Intermediate
  • Charlize Cerda, Walnut Creek Intermediate
  • Ella Chiu, Stone Valley MS
  • Marley Galloway, Foothill Middle School
  • Flynn Gholston, Walnut Creek Intermediate
  • Naomi Guss, Diablo Vista MS
  • Camille Hahm, Diablo Vista MS
  • Sunny Kang, Charlotte Wood MS
  • Kaira Lam, Foothill Middle School
  • Ella Lapsker Shwarzman, Foothill Middle School
  • Diya McCLean, Stone Valley MS
  • Ellie Moen, Diablo Vista MS
  • Carolyn Ren, Diablo Vista MS
  • Isobel Sims, Diablo Vista MS
  • Isabella Wintrip, Stone Valley MS
  • Elizaveta Udalkin, Charlotte Wood MS, was unable to attend camp due to illness

Here is a link to photos and videos from the Sonoma, Fresno, and Virtual Camps

Here is a photo of one of the Sonoma State Camps.

I would like to thank the 2023 Tech Trek Interview team of Ann Willoughby, Bette Felton, Bev Nidick, Debbie Hammond, Diane Fornasier, Kate Waters, Liz Peters, Rita Hannum, and Zora Kalinic, who worked together to select the Tech Trek girls for this year.
We will begin active efforts again in the fall! I am excited to wellcome Lee Garverick as the Tech Trek Co-Chair for 2023-24. Let Lee know if you would like to join the team!

The Tech Trek Program, Selection Process, and Funding

The first Tech Trek was a local program held at Stanford University in 1998, with initial funding from the AAUW Educational Foundation. It became so successful that it is now a National AAUW Program.

The selection process for camp is done by 7th Grade Science and Math Middle School Teachers who nominate students to attend camp. The only way to attend is to be recommended by a teacher(s) and be selected through the local AAUW Branch interview process.

Girls selected to receive sponsorships attend Sonoma State University for one week. They attend core classes taught by teachers and professional women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) featuring hands-on experiments while learning that math and science can be fun. The girls enjoy living in the dorms on a college campus plus special activities planned by the camp Director. AAUW members volunteer to serve as camp staff, dorm moms and chaperons.

TT-4Each sponsorship recipient is invited to attend the DAW Annual Branch Membership brunch held in the fall, to be recognized and to speak about their experiences. Sponsorships are funded primarily by monies raised by our annual fundraisers and by individuals, companies, and AAUW special interest group private donations. Parents/Guardians are requested to make a family contribution.