The AAUW research report Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) found that women are vastly underrepresented in STEM majors and fields compared with their male peers. But Why So Few? also showed that those numbers can change when girls realize their potential in STEM at an early age — and that’s where Tech Trek comes in.
Tech Trek is a weeklong summer camp for rising eighth-grade girls that is designed to develop interest, excitement, and self-confidence in STEM through classes, workshops, hands-on activities, and field trips. Tech Trek started in 1998 with one site in California and has expanded to eight college campuses across the state. In summer 2011, Tech Trek was even featured on CBS Evening News.
Now, for the first time, AAUW is expanding Tech Trek nationwide. The following AAUW branches, states, and members will each receive a $10,000 grant from AAUW to host Tech Trek camps at five pilot sites:
- AAUW of Florida — University of Central Florida
- AAUW of Washington — Pacific Lutheran University
- AAUW Bowling Green (OH) Branch — Bowling Green State University
- AAUW Weatherford (OK) Branch — Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- AAUW national member Kristian Trampus — University of Texas, Tyler
Check back with AAUW Dialog in the coming months for more updates about each of the new camps. We’re looking forward to inspiring girls across the nation in 2013!
This post was written by AAUW STEM Programs Intern Alexa Silverman.
AAUW Dialog 
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