How are girls chosen to attend Tech Trek?
- First, science and/or math teachers at participating schools are asked to recommend—with details—seventh grade students they think would benefit from camp.
- Parents or guardians of girls who are recommended are then asked to sign a parental consent form (so AAUW knows it’s okay to contact the prospective camper). The safety of our campers is important to us.
- Recommended girls (whose parents sign the form) receive an application to fill out and a question on which to write a short essay. (Just like applying to college—it is good practice).
- Once the applications and essays are received by the AAUW branch coordinator (deadlines are important) , we select and arrange for a face-to-face interview with the girl and, if possible, her parents.
- AAUW members then decide which girls would benefit the most from attending camp. Space at all camps is tight and we raise the money for each camper’s scholarship (families are asked to contribute about $50 if they can afford it).
Can I pay for my daughter/ward to attend Tech Trek?
There is no opportunity for parents to pay their daughter’s way to attend. Tech Trek is a scholarship-only program and all attendees must be selected by their teacher and go through an application process with a branch of AAUW CA. Girls chosen to be campers will be awarded a scholarship to attend University of California, Irvine Camp.
What are former campers saying about Tech Trek?
- “Tech Trek was amazing. I learned a lot and had so much fun. It was a very great experience. I learned a lot about a variety of subjects about STEM and myself.”
- “I loved this camp! It was my all-time favorite camp. I met so many new people and learned that everything is hard, it just takes persistence.”
- “I realized that I am WAY more interested in STEM than I thought. I’m more confident in my STEM skills. I loved the other girls at camp and had a great time in my classes.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpM3Cwb6ihg
| Former Camper explains “What happens at Tech Trek Camp–based on UC San Diego campus. |
Who Staffs the Camp?
Camp Directors have no problem identifying interested and competent teachers, as the word spreads every year from those who do participate, with most wanting to return again and again. Several teachers have returned every year since Tech Trek began. Instructors in Tech Trek camps spend long hours gathering materials and preparing, all of which helps make the week an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.
AAUW member volunteers serve as dorm moms/counselors (surrogate mothers), health aides, classroom aides, and fill in as needed. They provide the opportunity to bring like-minded middle school girls together for a week of involvement in math and science enrichment activities, which are fun while educational. As an example, one 2007 camper was overheard telling her parents, “I’m with my people!”
Former Tech Trek campers, who return as helpers, are now an indispensable part of the program at most camps. Recent college grads or high school seniors serve as Senior Counselors. Students still in high school may be Junior Counselors.
Please consider contributing your time to Tech Trek. Help is needed, and involvement in the program is very gratifying. Volunteers may work a few hours helping with various tasks before camps open, distribute registration packets on the first day of camp, or, at the other end of the scale, live on the campus for the week.
How can I volunteer? Tech Trek Volunteer Form
Every girl attending a Tech Trek Science Camp is on a full scholarship and was first recommended for the program by her middle school science or math teacher. Local AAUW branch coordinators provide the schools and teachers with guidelines for choosing girls who will be successful at camp.